Modulation of Marigold Based Lutein Dye and its Dyeing Behaviour Using UV Radiation

Application of natural dyes has increased interest in the past few years due to the eco-friendly behavior of these dyes. The present research is concerned with the effect of UV on dyeing behavior of cotton using marigold as source of natural Lutein dye. This is colorant lutein which imparts greenish yellow color to cotton fabric. The dye powder and cotton fabric were exposed to UV-radiation for different time intervals prior to dyeing and dyeing was performed at different dyeing variables. International Standard Organization (ISO) methods were employed to evaluate the color fastness properties, such as color fastness to light, washing and rubbing. It is found that 90 min exposure of UV radiations was the optimum condition for surface modification and dyeing of 70 min at 40°C give excellent results using 4 g/L salt to achieve maximum exhaustion. For improvement of color fastness, tannic acid (8%) as pre- and 6% as post-mordant is the best condition. It is found that UV ray treatment can be used to other fabrics followed by dyeing using extracts of dye yielding plants without any physical characteristics damage.