ABSTRACT:
Dyeing is an important application in textiles because; it allows people to wear fabrics of different shades. Environmental issues of synthetic dyes led to gained customer interest in the natural dyeing sector again. In this article an effort has been made to use two plant sources as natural dye. Beta vulgaris commonly known as beetroot or sugar beet has several applications in food sector. Ixora coccinea is generally used as ornamental plant but it has been found to have several medicinal properties. In this study, extract from the flowers of Ixora coccinea and extract obtained from the peel of Beta vulgaris using methanol as solvent were analyzed for their phytochemical properties using TLC. The phytochemical compounds were identified as anthocyanins, phenolic acids in Ixora coccinea and carotenoids in Beta vulgaris. The extracts were then applied to treated, desized cotton fabric using various natural and chemical mordants. Based on analysis, the best mordant and technique for using mordant were determined for dyeing fabric. The fabric was subjected to dyeing and tested for its color fastness such as rubbing, washing and sunlight to know the best of all, with a view to natural dyeing of fabric and minimizing synthetic dyes, consequently to save environment.