First-time application of biomordants in conjunction with the Alkanna tinctoria root extract for eco-friendly wool dyeing

Associated environmental hazards with the use of synthetic dyes and toxic metal mordants in the textile industry lead to concerns for alternatives. Natural dyes and biomordants are the new eco-friendly and biocompatible resources for textile coloration obtained from never-ending natural flora. The coloration potential of naphthoquinone-based colorants from Alkanna tinctoria roots on wool was investigated in this study with the application of both metallic mordants as well as biomordants. Color characteristics were evaluated on a spectrophotometer under the D65 illuminant, 10 degrees standard observer, and fastness properties by using standard methods. A wide range of shades was obtained with good color characteristics and fastness results. Iron among metallic mordants, pomegranate peel extract (PPE) and babool among biomordants increased the color yield of dyed wool. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the undamaged physical structure and surface morphology of dyed wool.