Extraction of Anthocyanin Dye from Staghorn Sumac Fruit in Various Solvents and Use for Pigment Printing

Abstract

This study investigates the potential of the dye extracted from the fruits of the alien invasive plant staghorn sumac (lat. Rhus typhina) as a sustainable and environmentally friendly colorant. By using a range of solvents, including distilled water, methanol, ethanol, propanol, acetonitrile, acetone, and dichloromethane, this study aims to determine the optimum solvent for the extraction of anthocyanin dyes from the fruit of staghorn sumac for the formulation of printing inks and for screen printing on paper and cotton fabric. The colors of the prints made with different dye extracts varied between more or less intense brownish-yellow hues, with the exception of the dye extracts in methanol and ethanol, which gave more brownish-orange hues. All prints showed excellent resistance to rubbing on cotton fabrics as well as to wet ironing. The light fastness of prints made with inks containing dyes extracted from all organic solvents was very good. Good wash fastness of prints on cotton fabrics was only achieved with inks made with dyes extracted in propanol and dichloromethane. The ink made from the dye extracted in propanol proved to be the best choice for printing on cotton fabric due to its uniform, intense, and resilient prints, while the inks made from the dyes extracted in distilled water and ethanol were also a good choice for printing on paper.