Dyeing, Fastness, and UV Protection Properties of Silk and Wool Fabrics Dyed with Eucalyptus Leaf Extract by the Exhaustion Process

This research was concerned with dye extraction from the leaves of eucalyptus and with the application of this dye for silk and wool fabric dyeing by the exhaustion process. Optimal results were achieved when dyeing at 90 °C for 40 minutes and at pH 4. Silk and wool fabrics dyed in a solution composed of eucalyptus extract from leaves in combination with a mordant compound showed a shade of yellowish-brown. An exception was when the fabrics were dyed with FeSO4 mordant, resulting in a shade of dark grayish-brown. The colour fastness to light and rubbing after dyeing the silk and wool fabrics treated with the mordant was investigated, the results of which showed fair to good fastness, whereas the colour fastness to washing was at a good to very good level. The results confirmed that natural dyes from eucalyptus leaf extract have potential applications for fabric dyeing and producing ultraviolet (UV) protective silk and wool fabrics.