Articles
Environmental and propagation factors influencing yield and alizarin content in Rubia tinctorum L. (madder) roots
Article number
1361_5
Pages
39 – 44
Language
English
Abstract
The UK dye and textile industry is based almost solely on synthetic dyes with the associated negative environmental implications becoming increasingly apparent.
Madder (Rubia tinctorum) produces a red dye that has been used for over 5000 years and has potential as a natural alternative to synthetic dyes.
The factors influencing commercial production of madder for the dye industry in the UK are currently under-researched.
Here effects of soil type and treatment on root growth and dye quality, textile type and mordanting on the dye color, and optimising seeds germination is explored.
Both the soil type and treatments were found to significantly increase root weight without adversely affecting dye quality.
Madder seeds achieved a higher percentage germination and earlier germination rate by both sanding and soaking.
Mordanting and fabric type were found to have a significant effect on the color saturation of the dyed test fabric, suggesting that alizarin binds much better when a mordant is present.
The results indicate that the production and use of madder in the UK is achievable.
It is anticipated that this work will be a starting point for larger-scale research to investigate the economic viability of madder as an industrial dye.
Madder (Rubia tinctorum) produces a red dye that has been used for over 5000 years and has potential as a natural alternative to synthetic dyes.
The factors influencing commercial production of madder for the dye industry in the UK are currently under-researched.
Here effects of soil type and treatment on root growth and dye quality, textile type and mordanting on the dye color, and optimising seeds germination is explored.
Both the soil type and treatments were found to significantly increase root weight without adversely affecting dye quality.
Madder seeds achieved a higher percentage germination and earlier germination rate by both sanding and soaking.
Mordanting and fabric type were found to have a significant effect on the color saturation of the dyed test fabric, suggesting that alizarin binds much better when a mordant is present.
The results indicate that the production and use of madder in the UK is achievable.
It is anticipated that this work will be a starting point for larger-scale research to investigate the economic viability of madder as an industrial dye.
Authors
K. Swann, G. Barret
Keywords
madder, dye, sustainability, maximising yield, mordanting, fabric type, soil, germination
Groups involved
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