Stability assessments of coloration and functionalization of cationic cotton fabric using flavonoid-rich extracts from Zanthoxylum bungeanum pericarps

This study investigates the use of flavonoid-rich extracts from Zanthoxylum bungeanum pericarps (ZBPFs) for sustainable dyeing and functionalization of cationized cotton fabrics. The extracts were obtained through ethanol/water extraction and purified using macroporous resin, with flavonoids such as rutin, astragalin, coumarin, baicalin, and quercetin making up over 72 % of the total composition. Stability tests revealed that ZBPFs were stable under neutral or mildly acidic conditions but were highly sensitive to reducing agents, prolonged light exposure, and metal ions. Cotton fabrics modified with 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl trimethylammonium chloride and dyed with ZBPFs reached a maximum color depth (K/S value) of 12.5 at 5 % owf. Fabrics dyed with 2 % owf ZBPFs demonstrated excellent UV protection (UPF of 115.54), antioxidant activity (98.1 % radical scavenging), and antibacterial efficacy (over 98 % against E. coli and S. aureus). The adsorption of ZBPFs onto cationized cotton fitted both the pseudo-second-order and Sips models. This indicates that chemical adsorption is the predominant mechanism and suggests multiple interactions between the ZBPFs and the fabric. The dyed fabrics exhibited high stability in rubbing and washing fastness, although their light fastness was comparatively lower. Further, washing with potassium aluminum sulfate significantly diminished the antioxidant and antibacterial properties, while washing with other solutions, such as tap water and deionized water, showed minimal effects on performance. This research highlights the potential of ZBPFs as a stable, bioactive, and environmentally friendly dye, offering considerable functional and ecological benefits in textile applications.