ASSESSMENT OF DYESTUFFS FROM S. BICOLOR LEAVES AND H. SABDARIFA CALYCES ON COTTON FABRIC

Abstract

The study assessed the dye yield, colour fastness properties, and organoleptic acceptability of dyestuffs extracted from Sorghum bicolor leaves and Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces on cotton fabric. A Research and Development (R&D) design was adopted. Dye extraction was carried out using aqueous and methanolic solvents, followed by mordant-assisted dyeing on 100% cotton fabric. Standard ISO procedures were used to evaluate wash, rub, and light fastness, while organoleptic acceptability was assessed using a structured rating scale. Results showed that aqueous extract of H. sabdariffa produced the highest yield (31.66%), while aqueous extract of S. Bicolor produced the lowest (8.31%). Fastness properties varied across samples, with moderate wash fastness but generally poor light fastness. Organoleptic evaluation revealed that fabrics dyed with aqueous extract of H. Sabdariffa had the highest consumer acceptability. The study concluded that both plant sources are viable natural dyes, though improvements in fastness properties are necessary for industrial application.