Ecological application of natural biomaterial on natural fibres

Abstract

Circular economy calls for circular materials implemented at each stage of input for zero waste output including textile wet processing. Thereby combating global climate and human health crises attributed to textile emissions and effluents. UN Sustainable development goals promulgate sustainable resource applications throughout the manufacturing chain hence the envisaged research. Natural biomaterials (Herbs) such as indigo, manjistha, cinnamon herb, green tea, kesudo, goldenrod herb, neem, and tulsi were sustainably applied on bamboo, banana, and merino wool fibres. The surplus bath dissolved oxygen level was 6.80, 7.81 and 7.21 mg/l after processing with kesudo herb, cinnamon herb, and goldenrod herb respectively hence ecological. The ORP was increased from −53.4 mV of the original water to +54.2, + 59.0, and + 57.8 after processing with kesudo herb, cinnamon herb, and goldenrod herb respectively. Therefore, the spent solution could be readily renewed or upscaled. The ATR-FTIR demonstrated strong peaks of carbon-to-carbon triple bond in raw kesudo herb and merino wool yarns treated with kesudo herb at the wavenumbers 2125.12 cm−1 and 2124.84 cm−1 respectively and whereas in raw cinnamon herb and its treated merino wool yarns at the wavenumbers 2116.37 cm−1 and 2117.35 cm−1 respectively. Consequently, functionally valuable results were acquired. The b* values gained with kesudo herb were 68.61, 22.06 for cinnamon herb, and 37.25 for goldenrod herb indicating yellow colour tone obtained on the treated merino wool yarns. The wash fastness rating obtained were good to excellent. Evaluation of functional properties and life cycle analysis is recommended for future work.