Studies on the Application of Biocolorant for Leather dyeing Using Monascus Purpureus

Abstract

World-wide requirement for colorants from natural origins havebeen rapidly increasing in the leather sector due to environmentaleff luent concerns. Biocolorant obtained from Monascuspurpureus, which yields red colored extract, has been studied forthe dyeing process of leather. The effect of varying conditionslike pH, concentration, time and temperature on the levelness ofthe dyeing, shade brightness, color intensity and exhaustion ofthe dye have been studied herein, and the conditions optimized.The change in color shade obtained has been quantified byref lectance measurements and compared with the visualassessment data. The bulk properties viz., softness and grainsmoothness have been found to be marginally improved, versuscontrol, in biocolorant treated leathers. There is no significantchange in strength properties by the use of these naturalcolorants in the post tanning process.