Browsing by Author "Tahvanainen, Saara"

The aim of this research was to examine what colors can be obtained by dyeing two kinds of textile materials with avocado skins and seeds. The materials were bamboo viscose jersey and merino wool interlock. In addition the color fastness of dyed materials was studied. The purpose was to examine whether it is possible to use avocado waste as a source of natural dye on a larger scale and to offer dyeing tips for craft enthusiasts as well. In the future, more environmentally friendly dyeing methods will be needed, as synthetic dyes may be harmful to both the environment and people. In addition, efforts should be made to move from linear economy to circular economy, in which the side streams of food production are also utilized in some way. In previous studies, a dye called persoreangin has been found in avocado seeds. The dyes in avocado seeds and skins have been studied for use as a dye for example in the food industry. The research was conducted using quasi-experimental research methods. A total of 36 samples were dyed with dyes extracted from avocado skins and avocado seeds. Different mordants were used in dyeing and their effect on dyeing and color fastness was examined. The used mordants were alum and tannin. Sodiumcarbonate was used to increase the pH le-vel and cream of tartar was used to prevent the dye molecules from percipitating. In addition, the effect of the dyeing temperature was tested. CIELab values were measured from the dyed samples. The samples were subjected to water washing, rubbing and lightfastness tests. The tests were performed in accordance with national and international standards. Both bamboo viscose and merino wool dyed well with avocado seeds and peels. The samp-les dyed with seeds were lighter than those dyed with skins. The pH of the dye solution see-med to affect the hue of the resulting color. The color fastness of both materials was modera-te. In the water washing resistance test, there was not much staining, but there were many changes in the shade and intensity of the color in the washed samples. Lightfastness was moderate or weak across tested samples. The research provides good information for home dyers and opens up further research opportunities for avocados to be used as a dye.