Effects of dyeing with annatto seed (Bixa Orellana) on the color fastness of alpaca yarn

Abstract

The use of natural dyes to dye protein fibers, such as alpaca yarn, reflects a genuine commitment to environmental protection. This practice is an ecological and sustainable option in the textile industry. However, color stability is a challenge in natural dyeing due to the lack of a standardized process for extracting the dye and applying the dyeing to a textile substrate. The research aimed to evaluate the effects of dyeing with annatto seed (Bixa Orellana) on color fastness to washing, rubbing, and light exposure in alpaca yarns. A quantitative experimental approach with a 2^4 factorial design was used, and two replications were performed. The four key factors were plant/substrate ratio (A), mordant concentration (B), temperature (C), and time (D). The results revealed that the combination of two factors, such as plant/substrate ratio and temperature (AC), has a significant impact on color fastness to washing. Similarly, the interaction between mordant concentration and temperature (BC), as well as plant/substrate ratio and time (AD), significantly affects color fastness to light. Additionally, the interaction of three factors, ABC, has a substantial effect on color fastness to rubbing, and the interaction between BCD also has a significant effect on color fastness to light. In conclusion, the plant/substrate ratio (A) has a significant effect on color fastness in all three variables. The interactions between the aforementioned factors have a substantial impact on color fastness to washing and light, respectively, as the obtained p-value is less than 0.05 of significance. This suggests that, with a standardized process, it is possible to effectively dye alpaca fiber with annatto seed.