Turmeric: An Ecological Alternative in Textile Fiber Dyeing

This study investigates the dyeing of cotton fibers with turmeric, exploring the influence of mordants on the resulting shades. The methodology encompasses the careful selection of materials, including fresh turmeric, and the use of mordants such as acetic acid, potassium alum, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium chloride. The dyeing processes are described in detail. The results indicate the shades obtained, influenced by the different mordants. Washing resistance tests demonstrate color stability with neutral detergent but significant alteration when conventional laundry detergent is used, indicating pH sensitivity. Lightfastness tests reveal color degradation under solar exposure. The study highlights the potential of turmeric as a natural dye, emphasizing challenges related to color stability in the face of environmental factors and suggests the need to promote research capable of enhancing lightfastness and ensuring color stabilization against pH variations, aiming at sustainable applicability in the textile industry.