This paper aims to focus on the optimisation of dyeing recipe for dyeing of silk fabric with semisynthetic azo dyes synthesised by chemical modification of areca nut extract.
The response surface model (Box–Behnken design) was used to establish the relation between the parameters of dyeing such as time, temperature and material to liquor ratio. Their output responses in terms of colour strength (K/S values) are reported. Their relationship was tested for predictability and the experimental values and found to match closely, which confirms the model suitability.
Dyed fabrics were tested for their fastness properties such as wash, rub and lightfastness. The results of the fastness tests indicate that modified dyes have good dyeability towards silk fabric. The dyed fabrics were also tested for ultraviolet protection factor and antimicrobial activity, which showed very promising results.
Banned amine testing was done, which confirms the absence of banned amine in synthesised dyes, which indicates the potential of its sustainability. Also, such an approach of modification of natural dyes as semi-synthetic dyes can be surely considered to be a step towards its widespread acceptability and further commercialisation.
