Potential of Hardwood Kraft Lignin as a Bio-based Dye for Cotton Fabrics

Abstract

The dyeing characteristics of hardwood kraft lignin (KL) were investigated on cotton fabrics, assessing its potential as a sustainable and environmentally friendly dye. Dyeability was evaluated by varying the KL concentrations, temperature, and time. An aqueous solution of Na₂CO₃ (1.0%) as the dye bath and a fabric-to-liquor ratio of 1:50 were used. Cationizing effects were studied using (3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl) trimethylammonium chloride (CHPTAC), and the mordanting effects of various mordants were also evaluated. Post-mordanting was performed with FeSO₄, FeCl₂, Fe-lactate (Fe-lac), MgSO₄, CuCl₂, CuSO₄, and Al₂(SO₄)₃. A mordant concentration of 1 mM o.w.f. (0.5 mM for Al₂(SO₄)₃), with a liquor ratio of 1:30, at 60 °C for 30 min were employed. Suitable dyeing conditions were 2.0% o.w.b., 90 °C, and 90 min, resulting in a brownish color of the cotton fabric. The fabrics exhibited a range of light brown to light grayish brown colors and showed lighter colors than the untreated fabrics when mordanted with MgSO₄ and Al₂(SO₄)₃. The color difference (ΔE) between cationized and uncationized cotton fabrics was 3.48. From the colorfastness assessment, KL-dyed cotton fabric showed good rubbing and washing fastness for staining, but poor light and washing fastness for fading.