Transforming parasitic weeds into sustainable natural dyes: A study of wool dyeing with Orobanche plant extract

Abstract

This study investigates the use of Orobanche plant extract, a parasitic weed that negatively impacts crops, as an innovative and sustainable natural dye for wool fibers. This dual-purpose approach seeks to repurpose an agricultural nuisance into a valuable dye source, thereby addressing the environmental challenges associated with synthetic dyes. The research examines the effects of dyeing conditions and various metal mordants on the color characteristics, fastness properties, and mechanical performance of the dyed wool. The selection of the Orobanche plant is supported by its rich content of phenylpropanoid glycosides, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, which offer a wide range of colors. UV–Vis spectroscopy analysis confirmed the presence of key chromophores, indicating the extract's suitability for dyeing applications. Comprehensive color assessment and fastness evaluation demonstrated the influence of factors such as pH, mordant type, and dye concentration on color strength and hue angle. Fastness properties showed that copper mordant provided the best light fastness, while aluminum was the least effective. Mechanical analysis showed that tin mordant significantly reduced fiber tenacity due to its impact on disulfide bonds, whereas aluminum and iron mordants had minimal effects on strength. This research establishes Orobanche extract as an eco-friendly dye source that, when optimized, can produce wool textiles with desirable color properties, durability, and mechanical integrity. The findings promote sustainable dyeing practices by transforming a problematic weed into an eco-conscious alternative to synthetic dyes, contributing to environmental conservation and waste reduction.