Natural Dyes from The Skin of Mangosteen

In this experiment we explored the possibility of using the extract from the skin of mangosteen, which is usually regarded food waste, as textile dye. The skin of mangosteen has been known and used for quite a long time in the leather industry, and is regarded potential for textile dye because it contains tannin, which is widely known as one of chemical base for dyes. We used the extract to dye cotton, polyester, acrylic and nylon by exhaust method which is subsequently followed by an aftertreatment for each of the dyeing process. It gives good coloration to each type of fiber with colors ranging from yellow to brown. Qualitative analysis shows that the extract from mangosteen skin has the properties of acid mordant dyes. We suggest that the good coloration results from polar hydroxy groups of tannin having the capability to form metal complex These groups form mordant with metals during the aftertreatment, which also improves its washing fastness as well as enriches its color depending upon the metal used in that particular process. (Shinta Citra N, Taufiq F, Wawan G, Yanti W, Yayu R)