OPTIMIZATION OF EXTRACTION CONDITION OF NATURAL DYE FROM POMEGRANATE PEELS USING RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY

Dyes extracted from natural sources have appeared as important substitutes to synthetic dyes. The aim of the present study was to optimize the extraction conditions of natural dye from pomegranate peels using central composite design of experiment. The effect of pH of the extraction medium, extraction time and material to liquor ratio (M:L) was investigated. It was found that the pH of the extraction medium has statistically significant effect on dye extraction, whereas the effect of time and M:L, within the ranges used in this study, was not found to be significant. Optimum dye extraction was obtained in alkaline pH of the extraction medium at lower liquor ratio. Cotton fabric dyed with the optimized dye extract, showed very good washing and light fastness properties but slightly poor wet crocking fastness.