Azadirachta indica Mediated Bioactive Lyocell Yarn: Chemical and Colour Characterization

The study deals with preparing aesthetic textiles using methanolic extract of Azadirachta indica leaves. The extract with metallic and natural mordents was utilized to create various shades on lyocell yarn using exhaust technique of dyeing. Aesthetic values of dyed yarns were analyzed in terms of colourimetric parameters, that is, CIE and colour fastness. The attachment of Azadirachta indica compounds has been confirmed by using infrared spectroscopy (IR) analysis. The dyed samples exhibit moderate to good fastness properties. The study showed that lyocell yarn treated at 15% (owf) methanolic extract of Azadirachta indica leaves can be utilized as effective bioactive textiles. Azadirachta indica is an alternative to synthetic antimicrobial agents. This bioactive yarn can be used in fashion as well as in medicinal industry. 1. Introduction Lyocell is regenerated fiber, manufactured by eco-friendly route [1]. Cellulose in the fiber has a high degree of orientation and the cellulose crystals are highly parallel in longitudinal direction of fibre. The fiber is soft to feel and highly absorbent and exhibits high strength in dry and wet conditions. Lyocell as staple fiber are used in clothes such as sportswear, casual wear, and towels. Filament fibers are used in items that have a silkier appearance such as women’s clothing and men’s dress shirts. Lyocell can be blended with a variety of other fibers such as silk, cotton, rayon, polyester, linen, nylon, and wool. Other than appeal lyocell is also used as industrial textiles, namely, in conveyor belts, specialty papers, and medical dressings [2]. Generally lyocell can be dyed with reactive class of dyes but it can be dyed with any class of dyestuff suitable for other cellulose [3]. Reactive dyes are criticized for the excess use of salt and alkali which may contribute in higher effluent and ultimately harm the environment. Therefore in the search of safe alternatives to dye lyocell, in the present study we have selected a dye extracted from Azadirachta indica leaves. Earlier we have applied Azadirachta indica leaves extract on nylon and Lycra textiles [4, 5]. This paper reports the results of the colouration of lyocell yarn by using the water and methanolic extracts from the leaves of Azadirachta indica. Azadirachta indica commonly known as “Neem” belongs to Meliaceae botanical family and is being abundantly available in nature. The principal constituents of these leaves include protein (7.1%), carbohydrates (22.9%), minerals, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C, and carotene [6, 7]. An extract from the leaves can