Assessment of natural dye extracted from Ixora coccinea L. flowers for commercial textile utilization using bio-mordant

The study aimed to assess the dyeing potential of Ixora coccinea L. flower extract on cotton fabric using eco-friendly bio-mordants for sustainable textile applications. Shade-dried flowers were subjected to aqueous and ethanol extraction, and dyed cotton fabrics were evaluated for color fastness properties, including resistance to light, washing, rubbing, and perspiration. Among the mordants tested—myrobalan, pomegranate rind, majuphal seed powder, and alum—pomegranate rind powder demonstrated superior performance with solvent extract, exhibiting excellent color fastness (scores up to 6 for light and 5 for washing). Solvent extraction consistently produced better results than aqueous extraction, indicating higher dye-fibre binding efficiency. The findings highlight Ixora coccinea ethanol dye extract along with pomegranate rind powder as a bio-mordant, as a promising source of natural dye with significant commercial potential in eco-textile industries, promoting sustainable and non-toxic alternatives to synthetic dyes.