Dyeing of Silk Fabric with Extracted Dyes from Lichens

Abstract

Two lichens species (ParmotremapraesorediosumandHeterodermialeucomelos)were assessed for dye production using boiling water method (BWM) and ammonia fermentation method (AFM). The dyes were applied on silk fabric. Three types of mordant were used i.e. alum, iron and vinegar through meta-chrome (simultaneous) method of natural dyeing. The K/S values, colour coordinates values and colour differences (ΔE) of the dyed samples were measured. Dyeing fastness properties of the dyed silk fabrics were assessed for washing, rubbing and light. TheP.praesorediosumextracts yielded beige to dull brown shades using BWM and pinkish-purple using AFM, whereas theH.leucomelosextracts produced yellowish-brown shades for both BWM and AFM on the silk substrate. Modanting seemed to be effective in increasing the K/S values of all mordanted fabrics except in the case of silk fabric dyed withP.praesorediosumextracted from AFM. Fastness ratings to washing and rubbing were all very good (5-4) for bothP.praesorediosumandH.leucomelosdyed silk fabrics. The fabrics dyed withP.praesorediosumandH.leucomelosextracts produced strong and deep colours as their ΔE values were higher and increased obviously of all mordanted fabrics. It can be concluded thatP.praesorediosumandH.leucomelosextracted from BWM and AFM methods can be used as an alternative dye source.