Effect of UV-Radiation on Extraction and Dyeing of Cotton Fabric with Pomegranate Rind Available to Purchase

Pomegranate (Punica granatum), which contains tannins as the main colouring component in the rind that imparts a yellowish brown colour on cotton fabric, has been selected and extracted through the use of water, methanol and ethanol. For the extraction of dye, irradiated and non-irradiated rind powders are used. The dyeing parameters, such as temperature, pH, time and material to liquid ratio (M:L) has been studied by the CIE Lab system for the optimization of dyeing conditions. Dyeing, irradiated and non-irradiated cotton fabrics have been used in order to see the effect of UV radiation on the colour strength of dye. Fastness properties, such as colour fastness to light, washing and rubbing (dry and wet), have been studied in accordance to ISO standard methods. It is found that irradiated cotton fabric not only improves the colour strength of dye, but also the colour fastness properties of irradiated cotton fabric.