EXTRACTION OF NATURAL DYE FROM NEEM TREE

ABSTRACT The research focuses on the extraction of natural dye from the stem bark of neem (Melia azadirachta L.) from AGP campus talata mafara zamfara state. The chemical compounds present in neem bark were investigated by phytochemical tests. Natural dye was extracted from the bark powder with pure water at 90°C for 60 min. 1.5 % w/v of dye solution was used for the dyeing of cotton fabrics. In this research, three dyeing methods such as pre-mordanting, postmordanting, one pot dyeing and mordanting methods and also three different mordants such as alum, copper (II) sulphate and lime were used. The effects of dyeing methods and mordants on properties of dyed cotton fabrics were also investigated. Moreover, washing, rubbing and light fastness tests on dyed cotton fabrics were assessed by using standard Grey Scale. Washing and rubbing fastness of cotton fabrics dyed by post-mordanting method with alum gave the best result in comparing with other dyeing methods and mordants. Good light fastness was obtained by dyeing with alum and copper (II) sulphate mordants. Keywords: Natural dye, mordant, cotton fabric, fastness test