Comparative Study of the Effect of Mordants on Dyeing Cotton Fabric with Anacardium Occidentale’s (Cashew) Root Grown in Ankpa, Kogi, Nigeria

Abstract

Pollution associated with synthetic dyes have caused several health hazards both to human and the environment. In order to curb this trend, especially from industrial effluents, a non – toxic, biodegradable and environmentally compatible dye from nature have to be sourced. In view of these, the root of anacardium occidentale was extracted of its dye and applied on fabrics alone and in the presence of mordants and also applied as colorant on food, cosmetics and alcoholic drinks. The root of anacardium occidantale collected was dried at room temperature and pulverized. 200g was weighed and extracted in 300mL absolute ethanol. Alum, K2Cr2O7 and FeSO4 were the fixatives used. Pre – mordanting, Post – mordanting and Simultaneous mordanting methods were adopted. Varied color hue was imparted on the fabrics and their fastness properties were tested. Alum mordant showed superiority to fastness in simultaneous mordanting in wash with mild soap and fastness to light. Pre – mordanted method showed K2Cr2O7 mordant to retain color in both wash in mild soap and fastness to light. FeSO4 mordant retained its color in simultaneous mordanting method across the fastness test displaying superiority over the rest mordant. An excellent color was imparted on food, cosmetic and alcoholic drink. They colors imparted on the substrates are distinct and promising and shows that the root of anacardium occidandale could be of significance in textile, printing and coloration industries.