Application of Response Surface Methodology in Optimization of Dyeing of Wool with Citrus Aurantium Leaves as Natural Dye

Due to the environmetal and health related problems associated with the use of synthetic dyes, there is a growing tendency for the use of eco-friendly and less harmful natural dyes in the textile industry. In this study, the leaves of Citrus aurantium were used as a new source for environmentally-friendly dyeing of wool. The effect of four important variables including dye concentration, mordant concentration, pH, and dyebath temperature on the color strength of the dyed samples was investigated. Box-Behnken design and response surface methodology was employed for the design of the experiments and analysis of the obtained data. the results showed that the highest color strength was obtained when dyeing using 150 %owf of the natural dye powder and 5.5 %owf of aluminum sulfate, at pH=8 and 76 °C. The sample dyed at the optimal conditions was tested for fastness properties and showed acceptable fastness against washing, light, and rubbing.