Dyeing of silk fabric with natural dye from camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) plant leaf extract

Natural dye extracted from the leaves of camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) was applied to silk fabric, with and without metallic salt mordants, using the exhaust dyeing method. Three techniques, meta-mordanting, post-mordanting and pre-mordanting, were employed, using potash alum, ferrous sulphate and zinc sulphate as mordants. Dyed silk fabric was analysed for K/S, CIE L*a*b* values, and colourfastness performance to washing, light and crocking. Optimal results were obtained for dyeing at 90 degrees C for 60 min at pH 4. A yellowish shade was observed when silk fabric was dyed without mordants, and a variety of pale to dark reddish colour shades were achieved with the trio of mordants; ferrous sulphate produced the dullest and darkest shades. Colourfastness to washing was fair to good, colourfastness to light was poor to fair, and colourfastness to crocking was good to excellent.