Development of functional wool fabric by treatment with aqueous and alkaline extracts of Cinnamomum camphora plant leaves

This work is carried out in search of natural alternatives to synthetic dyes capable of imparting functional properties. Natural dye from camphor plant (Cinnamomum camphora) was extracted under two extraction mediums: aqueous and alkaline. The obtained extract was converted into powder and applied on wool fabric using exhaust method of dyeing for evaluation of their dyeing and functional properties. Color strength of each dyed material was measured in terms of the K/S and CIELAB values, while the color fastness to light, washing, and crocking was investigated using standard test methods. The ultraviolet protection and antimicrobial properties were measured using American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) standard test methods. The K/S values, ultraviolet protection factor, and antimicrobial property of samples dyed with alkaline extract were higher as compared to those dyed with aqueous extract. Fastness towards washing and rubbing was found to be excellent, but the light fastness was poor which can be improved by mordanting in future work. Moreover, a slight decrease in washing fastness was observed with increase in shade depth.