4. BioChromes¶
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This week has been wonderful and very enjoyable. It was a truly beautiful experience creating fabric dyes from natural resources. This is not only remarkable but also contributes to preserving the environment and promoting sustainability, helping to build a better future for the planet.
At the beginning, Claudia gave us a comprehensive and quick explanation about bio chrome, covering the materials we would use, which plants we could utilize, and the chemical reactions we could create. She also explained the resulting effects and the correct method for making them.
We also conducted our first experiment using onion peels, cabbage, and hibiscus. Initially,
To begin the dyeing process for both plant and animal fibers, I follow some essential steps to ensure great results. First, I start with the scouring stage, where I place the fibers in boiling water to remove impurities such as dirt, oils, and grease that may affect the dye absorption process. Afterward, I change the water and rinse the fibers thoroughly to ensure they are completely clean.
The next step is mordanting, which is important because it helps bind the dye to the fibers more effectively, giving the color better stability and longevity. I choose a suitable mordant based on the type of fiber and the desired color, then immerse the fibers in a hot mordant solution for a specific period.
At this stage, I add sodium carbonate carbonate to the dye solution to help improve the pH level and facilitate better dye absorption, especially for plant fibers. sodium carbonate carbonate makes the dyeing process more effective, and the color turns out richer. Additionally, I add salt in amounts ranging from 5% to 10% of the fiber weight to enhance dye absorption.
Finally, comes the dyeing stage, where I place the fibers in the prepared dye solution. I immerse the fibers in the solution and leave them for a period that allows them to absorb the color well. During this stage, I monitor the temperature and timing to achieve the desired color. Afterward, I rinse the fibers thoroughly and leave them to dry.
We also took a trip to the forest in Amman to collect oak bark for conducting some experiments and using it in our assignment.
References & Inspiration¶
I was inspired by the burgundy color for the dye to enhance my concept. As I explained earlier, my concept is influenced by desire and internal conflicts within the human psyche. The burgundy color symbolizes blood and suffering.
On the first day of the assignment, I researched the material I would use to extract red tones and derivatives. I discovered that turmeric, when combined with sodium carbonate, turns into a red color. .
Tools¶
Process and workflow¶
So, I conducted an experiment on turmeric before starting the boiling process and the main procedure. I tested turmeric with various substances such as iron, sodium carbonate, aluminum, copper, vinegar, and lemon. This resulted in more than 10 different colors from each experiment
As I decided to use turmeric and sodium carbonate in my experiment, I started by boiling 100 grams of turmeric. This is where I encountered my first problem: turmeric does not dissolve well in water, so I needed to filter out the turmeric powder. Initially, I tried using paper filters, but they took too long. Then, I attempted filtering through fabric, which was faster, but the fabric pores would clog due to the excessive amount of turmeric. I also tried drawing the water out with a syringe, but turmeric residue remained.
In the end, I filtered the water through a food strainer, which successfully removed all the turmeric.
bio inks¶
After that, I created yellow and mustard colors using turmeric alone, and red by mixing turmeric with soda. Initially, I used 25 grams of soda with turmeric, but I found the color wasn’t good. Then, I added 20 more grams of soda and adjusted to two-thirds of the amount of turmeric, which finally gave me the final color.
Ingredients & Recipes¶
Documenting experiments¶
TEST 01 - SILK¶
| Material name | Fabric composition | Breathability | Moisture-wicking abilities | Heat retention abilities | Stretchability | Washing temperatures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silk | Animal fibers - silkworm insect | Highly breathable | High | Low | Low | Cool or warm |
RESULTS¶
Here are the results I achieved from dyeing various fabrics using only turmeric. I experimented with different types of natural fabrics, including wool, silk, and cotton. Each material took on a unique shade, revealing how turmeric interacts differently with each fabric’s texture.
RESULTS¶
1. turmeric¶
| recipe | turmeric | water | sodium carbonate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 g | 700 g |
2. turmeric with sodium¶
In the second image, showing a richer, darker shade, this was my second experiment where I added extra sodium. This color is the closest to my desired result. I also did a side-by-side comparison of two samples, as shown in the image, to highlight the differences between the two tones.
| recipe | turmeric | water | sodium carbonate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 g | 700 g | 20 g |
The second experiment¶
| recipe | turmeric | water | sodium carbonate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 g | 700 g | 45 g |
Recycling the dye into pigments¶
After that, I filtered the remaining water to create the pigments. I added sodium carbonate aluminum to complete the process, based on the formula: 10% aluminum and 2.5% sodium carbonate relative to the final liquid weight. Then, I added a filter to purify the ink and left it under the sun to dry."
Ingredients & Recipes¶
Prepare this recipe [^1] by collecting the ingredients necessary, to be found in the list below:
Initially, I filtered the remaining dye solution after the dyeing process and carefully measured it. Then, I brought it to a boil with hot water to prepare it for the next steps.
| recipe | turmeric | water | sodium carbonate | alum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 g | 700 g | 45 g | 68 g |