Abstract:
This dissertation reports a project aimed at extracting a natural dye from Ipomea batatas leaves
and optimization of the dyeing process parameters, thus temperature, time, mordant, and dye
concentration. Aqueous extraction method was used to obtain a crude dye solution from the
dried pulverized Ipomea batatas leaves because of its eco friendliness, the high yield of the
dye and its inability to degrade the bioactive compound. Tests were carried out to identify the
bio active compounds. Ferric chloride test identified anthocyanins (responsible for color),
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) identified the functional groups, Ultra Violet
Visible Spectroscopy (UVVS) measured anthocyanins and the pH was analyzed. The cotton
fabrics were dyed using a dye bath for the different experiments (31) and dyeing process
parameters were optimized using Response Surface Methodology which gave optimum values
as (62.9113 ℃, 55.7053minutes, 96.5212g, and 1.2313g): temperature, time, concentration and
mordant respectively. The fabrics were dyed with optimum parameters then evaluated for color
fastness to perspiration and rubbing. Dyed cotton fabrics had a brown shade with well
acceptable limits (4) for dry and wet rubbing and (4-5, 4) for acidic and alkaline perspiration
respectively which aimed at commercial textile applications.
