Eric Anthony C. Arances, Adrian T. Bacolod, Edmund D. Orata(February 2000)
Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus – Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PSHS WVC), Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000, Philippines
ABSTRACT
Experiments were conducted to analyze the qualitative properties of betel nut extract as fabric dye. For the dye extraction, betel nut was readied for water extraction and simmered for half an hour, and was set aside for dye application. Then a cloth was pretreated and applied with the potassium dichromate mordant (K2Cr2O7). The cloth was dyed with the betel nut extract. The experiment was conducted three times to ensure the accuracy of results, including the dyeing using commercial dye. The results would indicate the quality of the dye compared to synthetic dyes. Both cloths underwent washing test. Results showed that betel nut extract as fabric dye, using potassium dichromate, had color fastness and color intensity qualities comparable to that of the commercial dye. And that, betel nut extract as fabric dye has a potential of becoming a better alternative for this commercial synthetic dye.