Microwave-assisted sustainable dyeing of wool fabric using cochineal-based carminic acid as natural colorant

The revival of natural dyes in textiles is gaining popularity due to their sustainable nature. The current study has been undertaken to improve the dyeing behaviors of cochineal-based natural dye (carminic acid) for wool dyeing under the influence of microwave treatment. For the purpose, wool fabric and extract obtained from cochineal insects (Dactylopius coccus costa) were irradiated for 1–6 min. The nature of dye bath (pH) and dyeing temperature were optimized using optimal irradiation conditions. To make dyeing process more sustainable and eco-friendly, bio-mordants and chemical mordants have been employed at optimal conditions. It is found that microwave treatment of extraction for 5 min is suitable to get darker shades with acceptable color characteristics using unirradiated wool fabric. K/S was found using acidic dye bath of cochineal insect of pH 1 for dyeing unirradiated fabric at 70°C using acidic extract of Cochineal bugs. Suggested ISO standards for color fastness revealed that 5% of henna and 3% pomegranate as bio-mordant have not only given high color depth but also rated excellent fastness properties as compared to chemical mordants used. It is found that MW treatment has not only improved the dyeing behavior of carminic acid but also enhanced the color characteristics.