Technology in Textile Dyeing: Resurgence of Natural Dyes from Adonidia Merillii (Betel Nuts) Fruits Husk

Abstract

Natural dyeing is one of the indigenous pieces of knowledge that has been explored on its potential since prehistoric decade. The process and materials used revolves nature-friendly essential, which are safe to the environment in comparison to the chemical dyeing materials. Currently, the Adonidia Merillii or also known as betel nut tree, is only used as an ornamental tree such as in landscaping. However, it has potentials of being more than an ornament and can be utilized as dyes for local textile industries. Thus, this study focused on extracting dye from young Adonidia Merillii fruits husk. Traditional boiling method was applied to extract the natural colours from the fruits. Colour testing was conducted on four (4) types of fabrics which were rayon, Crepe de Chine (CDC), China Cotton and jacquard by using post-mordanting treatment. The mordants used were aqueous lime water, alum, and ashes. The colour on the textile samples was tested and evaluated via colour fastness properties. The tests conducted include exposing textile samples to artificial light, washing, rubbing, water and perspiration. Adonidia Merillii fruits husk have given hues of brown colour staining on the textiles, but the colour changed after the test, surprisingly on the artificial light exposure. The bright colour of the initial samples appeared to be less bright than those exposed to artificial light. The brightness of the samples was determined using blue scale grading. The findings from this experimental study may contribute to the palette colour of natural dyeing on textile and extended future research about the brightness change would be significant for the Malaysia local textile industries.