Brazilwood Extract

Brazilwood Extract, derived from Caesalpinia sappan (also called Sappanwood) and historically utilized in the 12th century, has been a fundamental source of vivid dyes ranging from deep red to brown hues. Known for its rich historical and commercial significance, this extract has been instrumental in textile and art applications worldwide. Alfa Chemistry provides a refined form of Brazilwood Extract, ensuring optimal purity and consistent results in various dyeing processes.

Botanical Origin and Historical Context

The genus Caesalpinia, especially Caesalpinia sappan, native to East Asia and Brazil, yields Brazilwood Extract through a meticulous extraction process. The extract is noted for its unique dyeing capabilities, producing an array of colors, including reds, purples, and browns. The extract's name is historically significant; it derives from the Arabic "braza," meaning "bright red," which was adopted by Portuguese traders in the 1500s, leading to the name Brazil for the region where the tree was abundant. This vibrant extract has continued to be valuable for dyeing textiles, varnish tints, inks, and wood stains.

Chemical Composition and Dyeing Mechanism

Main Active Compounds: Brasilein and Haematoxylin

Brazilwood Extract's dye properties stem largely from its active compound, brasilein, a chromophore responsible for the characteristic red to brown hues. Additionally, hematoxylin contributes to this palette, particularly when used with specific mordants. The chromophoric structure of brasilein facilitates a color change when it forms metal-ligand complexes with mordants, enabling a versatile application across different fabric and material types.

Mordant-Enhanced Color Variation

The color output of Brazilwood Extract is heavily influenced by the mordant employed:

• Chrome mordant - Produces deep, purple shades, enhancing the vibrancy and lifespan of the color on the substrate.
• Alum mordant - Yields a classic red shade, widely used for traditional textile dyeing.
• Iron mordant - Deepens the red-brown tones, creating a rustic and aged appearance.

The mordanting process reinforces the dye's adherence to fibers, reducing fading and increasing color intensity-a key feature in the production of long-lasting colors for textiles and artistic applications.

Industrial Applications

Brazilwood Extract's versatility makes it valuable in various industries:

• Textile Dyeing: From traditional garments to eco-conscious fashion lines, Brazilwood's rich hues provide sustainable alternatives to synthetic dyes.
• Ink and Paint Production: The extract's consistency and compatibility with other pigments make it suitable for natural ink and paint formulations.
• Wood Staining and Varnishes: The ability to produce deep red to brown hues has made Brazilwood an essential choice in decorative wood staining.

Alfa Chemistry offers meticulously processed Brazilwood Extract, ensuring stability and quality that meet industry standards for each application.

It is important to note that our products are for research use only and are not for clinical use.