Investigation on color and antibacterial properties of woolen yarn dyed with fruit of Ailanthus altissima tree

Ailanthus altissima is a fast growing, deciduous, and exotic invasive tree that is able to germinate and grow in a wide variety of soil and site conditions. In this study, the dyeing ability of woolen yarn with the fruit of Ailanthus altissima tree as a natural dye was evaluated. The effect of different dyeing conditions such as mordant concentrations (0 to 6% Wt.%), dyeing time at boiling temperature (30 to 90 minutes), pH of the dye bath (3 to 8) and the dye concentrations (60 to 200% Wt.%) on color strength of dyed sample were studied. The color characteristics of the dyed yarns and the optimal condition of the dyeing conditions were evaluated based on the maximum color strength. The antibacterial property of Ailanthus altissima tree fruit extract was investigated against gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. Independent research variables such as dyeing time, pH of dye bath and dye concentration had a significant effect on color strength and using of alum as a mordant in applied amounts (0 to 6% Wt. %) had a little effect on the color strength of dyed samples. The dyed woolen yarn with Ailanthus altissima tree fruit has good washing and light fastness and presented good antimicrobial properties against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria in applied concentrations of 12.5% up to 100%.