Natural Dyes from Canonball Tree and Dragon Fruit: A Sustainable Solution for Textiles

Abstract

*Natural Dyes from Cannonball Tree and Dragon Fruit: A Sustainable Solution for Textiles* This study investigates the potential of using natural dyes from the Cannonball tree (Couroupita guianensis) and Dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) as a sustainable and non-toxic alternative to synthetic dyes in the textile industry. Driven by increasing environmental concerns, the research aimed to develop a viable, non-toxic coloring method. Dyes were extracted from dragon fruit peel and the fruits and flowers of the Cannonball tree. A 10\% citric acid solution and a four-day maceration period were used for dragon fruit to maximize anthocyanin yield. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) identified the key components: the dragon fruit extract showed an R_f value of 0.62 (betacyanin), and the Cannonball tree extract yielded an R_f value of 0.57 (indigo dye). The extracted dyes were applied to cotton fabrics, and their color fastness was evaluated. The results indicated excellent color retention even after multiple washes. The findings conclude that both the Cannonball tree and dragon fruit are promising, eco-friendly sources for natural dyes, offering a sustainable solution to reduce the environmental impact of conventional textile dyeing processes.

*Natural Dyes from Cannonball Tree and Dragon Fruit: A Sustainable Solution for Textiles* This study investigates the potential of using natural dyes from the Cannonball tree (Couroupita guianensis) and Dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) as a sustainable and non-toxic alternative to synthetic dyes in the textile industry. Driven by increasing environmental concerns, the research aimed to develop a viable, non-toxic coloring method. Dyes were extracted from dragon fruit peel and the fruits and flowers of the Cannonball tree. A 10\% citric acid solution and a four-day maceration period were used for dragon fruit to maximize anthocyanin yield. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) identified the key components: the dragon fruit extract showed an R_f value of 0.62 (betacyanin), and the Cannonball tree extract yielded an R_f value of 0.57 (indigo dye). The extracted dyes were applied to cotton fabrics, and their color fastness was evaluated. The results indicated excellent color retention even after multiple washes. The findings conclude that both the Cannonball tree and dragon fruit are promising, eco-friendly sources for natural dyes, offering a sustainable solution to reduce the environmental impact of conventional textile dyeing processes.