SibFU Scientists Synthesize Eco-Friendly Bark-Based Dye for Clothing

Scientists of the School of Trade and Services, SibFU, have developed an eco-friendly dye based on a bark of coniferous tree species. According to TASS, this dyeing method is going to be patented and introduced into textile production.

“We have found that aqueous extracts and preparations based on the bark of Siberian dark coniferous plants increase the bio-resistance of cotton and blended textile materials and endowed them with antibacterial properties that are preserved for at least five washes of the product”, noted Irina Krotova, head of the Department of Commodity Science and Examination of Goods, School of Trade and Services, SibFU.

According to Irina Krotova, the existing silver-based dyes are expensive, and some chemical compounds are harmful to ecology and can cause allergies in humans. Moreover, bark is one of the sawmilling wastes and its storage can lead to fires. The scientist also noted that after receiving the dye, wood waste can be used as sorbents for cleaning territories from pollution.

The dyes color textile materials in a beige-brown range, and when using environmentally neutral iron salts or potassium aluminium sulfate, the color range can be expanded up to black, which is rare for natural dyes.

SibFU Press Office, 16 june 2023