Colorimetric comparison of mortared vs. boiled dyeing method using alugbati (Basella alba) seeds on cotton cloth

Abstract

This study compared the efficiency of natural dye extraction from \textit{Basella alba} seeds, locally known as alugbati or alagbati using traditional boiling versus mechanical grinding (mortar and pestle) for application on cotton fabric employing colorimetry (CIELab*) to analyze results. Results showed mechanical grinding produced higher color strength and better pigment concentration. Color fastness test, achieved by subjecting the dyed samples in an ultrasonic bath, revealed that mortar preparation is far more superior than dyeing through boiling. Colorimetric analysis revealed that while boiling provided better penetration, grinding achieved higher initial surface color. Boiling may have destroyed the natural colorants of Basella alba seeds due to its heat-sensitivity. The mortar and pestle method yielded faster and low-temperature extraction more suitable for Basella alba seeds dyeing of cotton cloth.