Comparison of the Insect Repellent Property of the Cotton and Wool Dyed with Walnut Kernel and Finished with Natural Extracts

Abstract

Natural dyes are the colorants derived from plants, invertebrates, or minerals. Most of the natural dyes are vegetable dyes. Generally, natural fibres are prone to insect attack. This project deals with the dyeing of cotton and wool fabric using the walnut kernel and finishing with the natural extracts of Neem and lemon grass for imparting the additional properties and comparing the results. The dye extracted from the walnut is used for dyeing which has naturally occurring quinine. Since for the better affinity of natural dyes it requires mordant for dyeing, pomegranate extract is used as mordant for dyeing. In addition to dyeing with the walnut extract the fabrics are finished using natural extracts which have antimicrobial property in addition to insect repellent property. The natural extracts of neem and lemon grass are used for finishing purpose. The insect repellent property of the finished fabric is evaluated through AATCC test method 24. The main aim of the product is to provide the fabric with insecticidal property for the manufacturing of valuable home textiles.