Natural Dyeing with Turmeric on Cotton
Turmeric coloration on cotton with fresh lemon juice in a coursework trial
Overview
A coursework dyeing trial on cotton using turmeric and mechanically extracted lemon juice. Yellow coloration was observed; dye uptake, fastness and antibacterial performance were not measured.
Problem Statement
The trial explored visible coloration of cotton with turmeric and lemon juice; it did not test fixation or compare treatments.
Objective
Dye cotton with turmeric and lemon juice and observe the resulting coloration.
Methodology
Pre-treat cotton fabric, mordant it with mechanically extracted lemon juice, then dye it in a turmeric dye bath under controlled temperature and time, followed by washing and drying.
Materials
Pre-treated 100% cotton woven fabric, turmeric powder (natural dye), fresh lemon juice (mordant), lab dyeing machine (HT), digital balance, magnetic stirrer, Whatman No. 1 filter paper.
Experimental Design
A single coursework dyeing run is documented at a 1:20 material-to-liquor ratio and 80°C for 20 minutes after a 40°C entry, followed by cold and hot washes. Exact formulation remains unconfirmed: the basis of the recorded 30% turmeric dose and 10% stock solution, and whether the recorded 15 g/L citric acid was separately added or refers to lemon-derived acidity, cannot be determined from available notes. This is not a fully reproducible recipe.
Results & Observations
Yellow coloration of the cotton was observed. No comparative dye uptake, instrumental color strength, fastness or antibacterial measurement was recorded.
Conclusion
The trial demonstrated visible coloration under coursework conditions, not improved dye uptake or a proven sustainable or antibacterial finish.
Future Work
Conduct standardized color fastness tests (wash, rub, light per ISO/AATCC standards) and quantify any antibacterial activity using quantitative assays.