Simultaneous dyeing and multifunctional finishing of natural fabrics with Hibiscus flowers extract

Abstract

A new sustainable and environmentally benign approach was developed for multifunctional natural fabric/fiber surfaces for healthcare and technical textiles applications. This approach is to explore, identify and evaluate the bioactive compounds extracted from Hibiscus flowers by different solvents as a potential benign agent for multifunctional natural fabrics/fibers via three different designs. In the first design, a novel green route to producing multifunctional cotton gauze fabrics was adopted. In this design, the silver nanoparticles were simultaneously synthesized and deposited on the cotton gauze fabrics through in situ synthesis using silver nitrate and Hibiscus flower extract without further additives. The second design was focused on the application of Hibiscus flower extract for simultaneous coloration and bioactive functionalization of wool fibers. In the third design, cotton fabrics were dyed with Hibiscus flower extract were used to create an eco-friendly, reversible pH sensor. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and thermal analysis were used to investigate the chemical and thermal properties of the treated fabrics/fibers. Coloration, sensor properties, and protective properties against pathogenic microorganisms and UV radiation, as well as antioxidant properties, were evaluated in treated fabrics.