Black Berry as a Natural Dye Dyeability of Proteinic Fabrics Using Some Post-Treatments

Abstract The quest for sustainable textile practices has driven research towards the enhancement of dye fastness properties in natural fibers such as silk and wool. This study investigates the use of blackberries as a natural dye source, alongside the application of innovative post-dyeing treatments, including thermo-fixation, microwave irradiation, and plasma treatment. The color y ield and fastness properties—specifically light, wash, and rubbing fastness—of dyed silk and wool fabrics using blackberry extracts were systematically evaluated. Following the dyeing process, each treatment method was assessed for its ability to improve the stability and resistance of the dye. Results indicated that blackberry dyeing yielded rich, vibrant colors while demonstrating an inherent variation in fastness properties. Notably, thermo-fixation significantly enhanced the light and wash fastness of dyed specimens, while microwave irradiation exhibited promising results in reducing dye migration and enhancing color retention. Plasma treatment further advanced the performance by promoting dye-fiber interaction through surface modification. This study explores the improvement of fastness properties and functional characteristics of dyed silk and wool fabrics through natural blackberry dye and subsequent treatments to enhance antimicrobial activity and UV protection factor (UPF). Natural fibers like silk and wool are often subjected to degradation from microbial activity and UV radiation, leading to reduced durability and aesthetic appeal. The effect of utilizing blackberries as a natural dye source and the influence of various post-dyeing treatments on enhancing the antimicrobial efficacy and UV protection of the dyed fabrics were investigated. Antimicrobial activity was assessed against common pathogens, revealing that treatments significantly improved resistance compared to untreated fabrics. The incorporation of blackberry-based dye also demonstrated inherent antimicrobial properties, which were further augmented by plasma treatment through the introduction of reactive functional groups. The UV protection factor (UPF) was determined, indicating that the treatments not only retained but also enhanced the natural UV-blocking capabilities of the fabrics. To study the structural and chemical modifications resulting from the treatments, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) imaging was conducted to analyze surface morphology, highlighting significant changes in the fiber structure after plasma treatment, including increased roughness that promotes dye holding and functional property enhancement. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to investigate the chemical bonding between the dye and fabric fibers, confirming the effective adhesion and improved interaction due to the post-treatment methodologies. Our findings suggest that the combination of natural dyeing with innovative post-treatment techniques not only improves the fastness properties of silk and wool fabrics but also aligns with environmental sustainability goals by utilizing eco-friendly materials and processes. The findings also demonstrate that the synergistic application of blackberry dye with advanced post-treatment techniques can yield silk and wool fabrics antimicrobial activity, and UV protection. This research underscores the potential of utilizing natural dyes in conjunction with innovative treatments to create high-performance textile products that prioritize sustainability alongside functional efficacy, catering to modern consumer demands in the textile market and contributes to the development of superior textile products for both quality and sustainability in the fashion and textile industries.