Invasive alien plant species represent a significant environmental problem as their spread threatens biodiversity. One of the possible approaches for their sustainable utilization is their use as a source of natural dyes. The aim of this master’s thesis was to investigate the potential use of flowers of annual fleabane (Erigeron annuus) and Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) for obtaining natural dyes and to determine the optimal solvent for the preparation of screen-printing inks and dyeing of cotton fabric.
In the experimental part, screen-printing inks were prepared from the obtained dye extracts and used to produce prints on paper and cotton fabric. Dye baths were prepared from aqueous extracts where cotton fabric was dyed in the presence of potassium aluminum sulfate. The prints and dyed samples were evaluated visually and colorimetrically, and their color fastness to light, dry and wet rubbing, wet hot pressing and washing was also analyzed.
Using extracts of Jerusalem artichoke, distinct yellow to yellow-orange shades were obtained on the substrates, while extracts of annual fleabane produced more greenish-yellow to olive-green shades.
The prints showed excellent fastness to dry and wet rubbing and to wet hot pressing and lower light fastness on cotton fabric. Dyed cotton samples exhibited poor light and washing fastness and the latter was improved by subsequent cationic treatment.
The results confirm that extracts from the flowers of annual fleabane and Jerusalem artichoke are suitable for dyeing cotton fabric with subsequent cationic post-treatment and for the preparation of screen-printing inks and printing on paper and cotton fabric.
|
