Dyeing properties and deodorizing/antibacterial performance of cotton/silk/wool fabrics dyed with myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) extract

Abstract

An aqueous solution containing a natural colorant (myrrh extract) was obtained by extraction from myrrh using water as an extracting solvent at 90℃ for 90 min with a fixed material to liquor ratio of 1:10. The dyeing properties, color fastness and deodorizing/antibacterial performance of fabrics (cotton, silk and wool fabrics) dyed with myrrh extract were evaluated. The main component in myrrh extract was found to be polysaccharides composed of D-galactose/D-glucuronic acid/L-arabinose and protein. The yellow-red color of fabrics dyed with myrrh extract was attributed to the copper (I) oxide component. The K/ S value of the dyed fabrics increased in the order of cotton < silk < wool. The washing, water and acid/alkaline perspiration fastness of dyed cotton/silk/wool fabrics were good (Grade 4–5), except light fastness (Grade 1–3). The deodorizing performance of dyed fabrics against ammonia and acetic acid was found to be significantly better than the control (undyed) fabrics. The dyed fabrics exhibited an excellent antibacterial performance (99.9% bacteriostatic reduction rate) against both Klebsiella pneumonia and Staphylococcus aureus. These results highlight the strong potential of the natural dyed fabrics as a functional material with both high antibacterial activity and deodorizing function.