Abstract
The present research reports the extraction of natural colorant from kermes oak (Quercus coccifera L.) fruits. Response surface methodology (RSM) with the help of Minitab (Version 17, State College, PA, USA) was used for the optimization of the extraction process and the evaluation of different operating parameters interaction effects. Three independent parameters including extraction temperature, extraction time, and mass of the kermes oak were studied. According to the results, the optimum extraction was obtained at a temperature of 72?C, an extraction time of 70?min, and a mass of 2?g. Under these optimum conditions, the efficiency of extraction was found to be 3792?mg.L-?1. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy was used to identify the major chemical groups in the extracted dye. The coloring ability of the extracted dye, obtained under the optimal conditions, was tested on wool and cotton fabrics, and its effect on color strength and color fastness to rubbing, light, and washing was investigated. Results of color characteristics showed that the color coordinates of the dyed samples were situated in the red-yellow quadrant of the CIELabcolor space.