Printing is an ancient art and science that dates back to the Bronze Age. The early methods involved rubbing pigments or attaching plants to fabric to impart colour and pattern to fabric. More advanced techniques evolved, utilizing natural dyes extracted from plants, animals, insects, and minerals. While synthetic dyes are most commonly used for their vibrant colors, they pose risks such as carcinogenicity and negative environmental impacts. This has led to a renewed interest in natural dyes today. In this study, Areca nut was used as a natural dye and applied to a pre-mordanted cotton fabric by direct printing. Alum, CuSO4, and FeSO4 were used as mordants. CuSO4 produced a more intense and vibrant color, while FeSO4 resulted in a darker, more subdued hue. These observations highlight how the choice of mordant can affect the final shade of the printed fabric.
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