Influence of UV Radiation on Extraction and Dyeing of Cotton Fabrics Using Eucalyptus Bark Powder as Natural Dye

The efficiency of UV radiation on boiled aqueous and alkaline extracts of Eucalyptus bark powder has been determined. Irradiated and un-irradiated cotton fabrics were used to study the dyeing parameters such as material-liquor ratio, dyeing time and dyeing pH. Pre- and postmordanting were carried out by using copper and iron mordants. The data colour report was obtained for evaluation of un-irradiated and irradiated dyed cotton using a Spectra Flash (SF- 650) in the CIE Lab system. It was found that UV irradiation has the potential to improve dyeing and fastness properties, such as washing, light and rubbing, of cotton dyed with Eucalyptus bark powder.