Multi-functional effects of textiles dyed with madder roots powder (Rubiatinctoria)

Abstract

In this study, 100% cotton knit was premordanted with mimosa tannin and mimosa tannin/alum and dyed with a dyestuff extracted from Madder root. The degree of exhaustion was carry out by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The color fastness to light, wash, rubbing (wet and dry) and perspiration of the mordanted and dyed fabrics were evaluated according to specific ISO standard. The samples were tested for ultraviolet protection and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus strains. The color fastness to washing and light are poor and the fastness to perspiration and rubbing is moderate. The dyed fabrics demonstrate an excellent UV protective effect and a good antibacterial activity. Even thin, the materials used for summer clothes dyed with madder could provide an effective and common mean to protect the human body against the harmful effects of UV rays.