Abstract
Natural dye extracted from the leaves of camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) was applied to silk fabric, with and without metallic salt mordants, using the exhaust dyeing method. Three techniques, meta-mordanting, post-mordanting and pre-mordanting, were employed, using potash alum, ferrous sulphate and zinc sulphate as mordants. Dyed silk fabric was analysed for K/S, CIE L*a*b* values, and colourfastness performance to washing, light and crocking. Optimal results were obtained for dyeing at 90 degrees C for 60 min at pH 4. A yellowish shade was observed when silk fabric was dyed without mordants, and a variety of pale to dark reddish colour shades were achieved with the trio of mordants; ferrous sulphate produced the dullest and darkest shades. Colourfastness to washing was fair to good, colourfastness to light was poor to fair, and colourfastness to crocking was good to excellent.