Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the process of silk dyeing with the extract of eucalyptus leaves. pH, temperature, initial extract concentration was investigated. The initial extract concentration of 20 g L1 , pH 3 and temperature of 90 #xB0;C were the conditions which yielded the best results from dyeing. The pseudo-second order model was the one that best represented the kinetic mechanism of dyeing, indicating that chemisorption was the main mechanism involved. The equilibrium data were adjusted to the Langmuir-Freundlich model indicating significant contribution from the chemisorption process. Dyeing with the extract of eucalyptus leaves is a spontaneous and endothermic process with a high degree of disorder. The notes washing fastness of dyed fabrics were 3-4 for the color change and 4 for staining on cotton and wool.