Response Surface Methodology Optimized Dyeing of Wool with Cumin Seeds Extract Improved with Plasma Treatment

In this study, the aqueous extract of Cuminum Ciminum L. seed was applied on wool as a novel natural colorant. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry was conducted to identify the composition of the extract. Response surface methodology and D-optimal design were employed to investigate and optimize the effects of three independent factors including mordant concentration, dyeing pH and temperature on the color strength of dyed samples. A statistical model was obtained to correlate between the amounts of three independent factors and color strength of dyed samples as the response. Low pressure plasma treatment using oxygen, argon, and their mixture was employed to improve the dyeability of wool fibers. The effect of different plasma treatments on the surface chemistry and morphology of wool fibers were studied using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The fastness properties of dyed samples were also investigated.