Colorimetric assay and deodorizing/antibacterial performance of natural fabrics dyed with immature pine cone extract

Abstract

To examine the deodorizing function and antibacterial activity of fabrics dyed with the extract of immature pine cone, a natural dyeing aqueous solution (the extract of immature pine cone, a natural colorant) was prepared. The colorimetric assay and deodorizing/antibacterial performance of fabrics (cotton, silk and wool fabrics) dyed with immature pine cone extract without/with mordant (aluminum sulfate) were evaluated. The components in the aqueous extract of immature pine cone were found to be hemicellulose, lignin, cellulose and tannin. The yellow color of fabrics dyed with immature pine cone extract might be attributed to the lignin component. The K/ S values of dyed fabrics with mordant showed higher values than those without mordant. The color fastness (washing, water and acid/alkaline perspiration fastness) of fabrics dyed without/with mordant was found to be very good (grade 4–5). All of the fabrics dyed without/with mordant also showed good deodorizing function and excellent antibacterial performance. These results demonstrate the strong potential of even natural fabrics dyed with immature pine cone extract without mordant as a functional material with both high antibacterial activity and deodorizing function.