Iron-tannin complex effect on coloration and functional properties of silk fabric

The study is related to preparing aesthetic textiles using an extract of Acacia arabica wild bark extract. This extract with ferrous sulphate mordant to produce black color on silk fabric using the pad-dry-steam technique of dyeing gave promising results. Aesthetic values of dyed fabric were analyzed in terms of colorimetric parameters i.e. CIE L*a*b* and colorfastness. The attachment of Acacia arabica wild bark compounds with silk substrate has been confirmed by using Infrared Spectroscopy (IR) analysis. The dyed samples exhibit moderate to good washing fastness and very good light-fastness properties. The ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) values ranged from good to excellent for the silk fabrics. The results confirmed that dyeing with natural dyes from Acacia arabica wild bark extract with ferrous sulphate (FeSO4) as mordant has potential applications in producing black color besides showing good resistance to microorganisms as measured by BPB stain test. [Display omitted] •Eco-friendly dyeing of natural fibers using natural dyes.•Natural black color was produced on silk fabric using a natural resource Acacia arabica wild bark through pad-dry-steam technique.•Dyed fabric samples were analyzed for coloristic and functional properties.•Dark black color with excellent fastness to light and good fastness to wash was achieved with minimum loss of tensile strength.•Black colored silk shows excellent UPF and very good resistance against microbes.•Thus, it can be said that challenge of dyeing with natural product with good fastness properties was achieved successfully.