Dyeing of Cotton Yarns Using Natural Dyes for Carpets and Rugs

The objective of this study was to produce carpets and rugs from 100% Egyptian cotton yarns as a natural fiber and sustainable inexpensive alternative to other textile fibers, such as wool, dyed with natural dyes extracted from Henna and Tea leaves. Pre-mordanting was done using different mordents namely; Alum, Iron (III) Chloride, Iron (II) Sulphate, Copper (II) Sulphate and Iron (II) Sulphate/Zinc Chloride (ZnCl2). Different color shades of these natural dyes were represented by using different kinds of mordants, even for the same natural dye used. The effect of different mordants on dyeing performance in terms of color measurements; L*, a*, b*, C*, hº and K/S as well as color fastness to wash, perspiration and light were evaluated. The results obtained showed satisfactory fastness properties and an improvement of the cotton dyed properties.These results were very important in industrial applications for the production of carpets and rugs from eco-cotton yarns dyed with natural dyes at a low cost.