Woollen fabric design with bioactive properties using <scp>Anatolian</scp> sweetgum tree ( <i>Liquidambar orientalis</i> <scp>L</scp> .) leaves and fruits

Abstract The recent focus among natural dyers is on identifying and utilising new natural dye sources. The current study explored the potential of the Anatolian sweetgum tree's leaves and fruits in providing bioactive properties with wool dyeing. In the dyeing process, iron (II) sulphate, alum, tannic acid and citric acid were used, and different dyeing temperatures were tested before the common dyeing at boiling temperature (100°C). The ultraviolet‐protective capacity, total phenolic and total flavonoid content, as well as anti‐oxidant activities of aqueous solutions of tree leaves and fruits were determined. Additionally, the CIELab and K/S values of dyed wool fabrics were recorded. The fastness of samples was also determined. It was found that the anti‐oxidant activity of leaves (SC 50 : 0.014 ± 0.00 mg/mL) was higher than that of its fruits (SC 50 : 0.022 ± 0.01 mg/mL). The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the leaves were obtained as 15.464 ± 0.0468 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g and 100.879 ± 0.0468 mg quercetin equivalent/g, respectively. From the high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis, it was determined that the active substance content of the leaves was higher than that of the fruits. The in vitro sun protection factor value of the aqueous solution of the leaf was higher than that of the fruit. Among the colour fastness values of dyed fabrics, light fastness was detected as 3‐3/4 and other fastness values were found as 4‐5 points, and these values are within acceptable limits. As a result, the leaves and fruits of the A. sweetgum tree can be utilised as dyestuff for wool coloration, along with their anti‐oxidant and ultraviolet‐protective features.