Natural dyeing of banana fibers by color stacking technique. A case study from Songkhla banana ropes basketry group

Abstract

This research was conducted to apply technology and knowledge to achieve the community demand of improving quality of textile products and develop product varieties using natural dyes. The objectives of this study were to study the banana fibers dyeing with natural dyes, comparing between banana fibers with and without addition of cation, and to develop Sirindhorn purple for dyeing banana fibers using color stacking technique. The results showed that the addition of cation in the banana fiber dyeing increased color adherence and color durability to artificial sunlight to the satisfactory level for natural dyeing. Color stacking technique can be used to develop Sirindhorn Violet, resulting in  purple dyes with significantly different hues, gradual in intensity from indigo to magenta. Moreover, the researchers developed products from the conclusions of this experiment by creating a prototype product in form of banana fiber strings with both natural dyes and purple dyes. Then the strings were used as the material for designing flower, leaves, and stamens to decorate the banana string bags, help increasing its value. Furthermore, relaying these knowledge and technology the community through banana ropes basketry group will resulting concrete benefits such as enhancing the quality of life, increasing income, as well as promoting and developing the careers of populace in Songkhla province.