26 Mar 2017
Ever wondered what happened to all our centuries-old learning of using natural dyes on fabric like cotton, silk and wool? With synthetic dyes that are non-biodegradable, carcinogenic and pollute our waters, we are doing more harm than good to ourselves. A new study by researchers at the University of Delhi has proposed efficient techniques to extract natural dye from plant based sources like roots of turmeric, fruits of harda, petals of safflower and roots of barberry. Once extracted, the technique proposes to add mordants such as alum, copper sulphate and ferrous sulphate to obtain a rainbow of natural colors that could then be used to colour your favourite piece of garment. Going green, literally!