Exploration of Natural Dyes by Using a Combination of Caesalpinia sappan and Leucaena leucocephala L. Leaves.

Abstract

In this research an exploration of the potential use of Caesalpinia sappan and Leucaena leucocephala L. has been carried out as an alternative to environmentally friendly dyeing. To optimize the quality of the shades produced, pre-treatment is done using Turkish Red Oil (TRO) (washing) as well as alum and soda ash (mordanting). Both are applied to minimize the presence of contaminants and create intermediates for reactions between dyes and fabric fibers, while fixation is applied to suppress the reactivity of natural dye compounds to the surrounding environment. Thus, the color fastness can be improved. Natural dyeing uses 75% KKS/25% DL; 50% KKS/50% DL; and 25% KKS/75% DL have produced shades of yellowish, brownish, reddish, purple and black with a color intensity in the range of 73.23%-89.08%; 70.27%-84.32%; and 79.73% -83.14% for fixation with iron(II)sulfate, alum and lime, respectively. Furthermore, the results of the staining scale analysis, dyeing with 75% KKS/25% DL; 50% KKS/50% DL; and 25% KKS/75% DL with fixation using iron(II)sulfate, alum and lime successively produce fastness on a scale of 3 (fair); 3-4 (good enough); and 3-4 (good enough). Keywords—Textile, natural dyes, Caesalpiniasappan, Leucaena leucocephala, brazillin, tannin