Development of batik textile colorant using Mahogany Shale (Swietenia macrophylla), Marigold Flowers (Tagetes erecta), and Onion Peel (Allium cepa L.)

Abstract

The rising demand for batik textiles in Sri Lanka has led to a critical issue due to the health risks posed by carcinogenic synthetic dyes used in their production. To combat this, the study focuses on developing safer, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternatives derived from mahogany shale, marigold flowers, and onion peel. These natural colorants were extracted through various methods and applied to cotton and blue line poplin fabrics, assessing their polarity, intensity, and stability in comparison to synthetic dyes. Physical and chemical properties of the dyed textiles were analyzed, along with shelf-life testing, and a comparison was made between natural and synthetic dye-applied textiles. The study found that direct extraction using distilled water yielded superior results from mahogany shale and onion peel in terms of powder percentage, color stability, intensity, and wash cycles (up to 3 times) for overall acceptability, as compared to soxhlet extraction methods. Analysis using Ultra Violet visible spectrophotometry of 190-550 Nm and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy of 500-4000 cm-1 aided in determining color stability, quality, and functional groups of the natural colorants. Additionally, pH measurements gauged the acidity of the extracted natural colors. The research demonstrates the potential for replacing harmful synthetic dyes with natural alternatives derived from mahogany shale, marigold flowers, and onion peel, offering a safe solution for batik textiles without compromising on quality.