Dyeing of wool fiber with natural dye from thymus vulgaris L.

Thymus vulgaris is a rich source of polyphenols such as flavonoids and anthocyanins, which can be used as a natural dye. In this research, the effect of dyeing parameters such as mordant type, acid type, dyeing method, dyeing temperature and dye concentration on the shade and the intensity in wool fibers dyed with thymus vulgaris were investigated. Also, the washing and light fastness of the dyed samples were evaluated based on gray and blue scales. The results indicate that by use different mordant, golden yellow, green, dark gray and light brown shades have been created. Also, samples dyed with thyme vulgaris in the presence of metal mordants have acceptable washing and light fastness. Iron, copper and chrome mordants provide the best washing fastness and copper and chrome mordants provide the best light fastness. Analysis of the equilibrium absorbed dye at different temperatures and dye concentrations show that as the temperature increases, the dyed absorption increases, but with increasing dye concentration, the rate of absorption at various temperatures is different.