Coloration of Cotton Fabrics Using Red Hibiscus Flower Extracts: An Investigation into Natural Dyeability

This research explores the potential of natural extracts from hibiscus flowers (HF) as a sustainable dye for cotton fabrics, The study systematically investigates the influence of key dyeing parameters - specifically dye concentration, dyeing time, temperature, and the use of mordants-on the resulting color strength and uniformity. Various dyeing conditions were tested to identify the optimal settings for maximizing color uptake by the cotton material. Colorimetric analysis using a colorimeter provided quantitative data on the CIELAB coordinates, while UV-vis spectroscopy was employed to characterize the absorption properties of the hibiscus dye extracts. The results revealed that both dye concentration and dyeing temperature are significant factors affecting dyeing efficiency; higher concentrations and elevated temperatures (around 90°C) led to improved color strength. Furthermore, the application of metal mordants, particularly ferrous sulfate applied before dyeing, substantially enhanced dye fixation onto the fabric, resulting in deeper shades and improved color fastness compared to unmordanted samples. This investigation confirms that HF extracts represent a viable, eco-friendly alternative to conventional synthetic dyes for cotton coloration, capable of yielding good color results and stability when dyeing conditions are optimized. The findings contribute valuable insights towards developing sustainable textile processing methods using renewable, plant-based resources.