Formulation of Curcumin as Natural Dye on Polyester

Abstract

Turmeric is perennial herbs that has been used for centuries as natural dye in the Asia. It contains curcumin that generate yellow to orange color. Unfortunately, curcumin is considered as fugitive dyes because its color strength will diminish within times. In order to strengthen the color of curcumin, some additives are added into dye formulation. In this research, turmeric juice was extracted from turmeric without adding any organic solvents. The juice was then mixed with mordant and emulsifier to produce dye solution. Alum and lime juice were used as synthetic and natural mordant, respectively. Tween 80 was used as emulsifier. The polyester was soaked in the dye solution for overnight. The color strength (K/S), the color wash fastness, and the color coordination of the dyed polyester were investigated. The research shows that the ratio of turmeric juice to mordant of 2:1 (without any emulsifiers) gave the best color strength and color fastness.