Assessing the dyeing efficacy and environmental impact of cotton fabric dyed with sawmill bio‐waste extracts and metal salts

Abstract

Textile coloration is a complex process involving the interaction of dye molecules with fibers in a dye bath. Synthetic dyes pose environmental hazards, leading to increased interest in natural dyes sourced from plants, animals, and minerals. However, natural dyes often require mordants for application to textiles. Despite their eco‐friendliness, natural dyes can exhibit poor wash fastness on fabrics, necessitating further research to enhance their performance. This study investigates the use of mahogany sawdust extract as a natural dye for cotton coloration, focusing on the enhancement of fastness properties through metallic mordants and associated environmental risks. Mahogany sawdust, rich in flavonoids and tannins, shows promise as a sustainable alternative to synthetic dyes. The dyeing process involves the extraction of natural dyes from sawmill bio‐waste and subsequent application onto cotton fabrics using various metallic mordants. Evaluation of colorfastness properties, color strength, color coordinates, tensile strength, FTIR, and SEM analysis provides insights into the dye‐fiber interactions and fabric properties. Environmental risk assessment considers metal exhaustion onto fabric surfaces, residual metal concentrations in mordant baths, and metal content in dyeing wastewater. Overall, this study contributes to the development of sustainable dyeing processes and highlights the importance of environmental considerations in textile coloration.Highlights Mahogany sawdust extract: potential natural dye for sustainable cotton coloration. Metallic mordants enhance colorfastness and fabric durability in dyeing processes. Comprehensive analysis reveals the intricate dynamics of dye‐fiber interactions. Environmental risk evaluation guides sustainable textile manufacturing practices. Research paves the way for greener, more sustainable textile industry practices globally.