Mulberry Leaf Extract (Chlorophyllin)

Derived from the heartwood of the Old Fustic tree (Maclura tinctoria), also known as the dyer's mulberry, Fustic Powder Extract has been prized for centuries for its ability to produce vibrant yellow to olive-green hues on textiles. Known for its rich content of flavonoids, primarily morin, Fustic Powder Extract is extensively used in natural dyeing practices due to its excellent color yield, fastness properties, and ecological benefits. At Alfa Chemistry, we supply high-quality Fustic Powder Extract, meticulously processed to retain its robust dyeing potential and ensure consistent results across various textile substrates.

Product Details and Packaging

Chemical Composition and Dyeing Mechanism

Fustic Powder Extract's primary chromophore, morin (C₁₅H₁₀O₇), belongs to the flavonoid class of polyphenolic compounds. Morin's structure consists of two benzene rings and a central pyrone ring, allowing it to form strong complexes with metal ions commonly used in mordanting, such as alum (potassium aluminum sulfate) and iron. These complexes significantly enhance its binding affinity to textile fibers, resulting in lasting color. Moreover, fustic's molecular stability under mild acidic and basic conditions provides versatility across diverse dyeing applications, particularly on protein-based fibers.

Interaction with Mordants

Fustic Powder Extract requires mordanting to achieve optimal color vibrancy and fastness. Alum and iron mordants are widely used; while alum yields bright, clear yellow shades, iron mordants shift the color towards an olive-green tone. A typical mordant percentage for protein fibers such as wool or silk is around 10–12% weight-of-fiber (WOF) with alum, whereas cellulose fibers benefit from a two-step tannin and alum mordanting process to enhance color uptake. Alfa Chemistry ensures our fustic extract maintains compatibility with mordants, delivering dependable hues for both artisanal and industrial applications.

Application Process for Textile Dyeing

Fustic Powder Extract is suitable for various natural fibers, though it performs exceptionally on protein fibers. Before dyeing, the fiber is typically scoured to remove impurities that may hinder dye absorption. For protein fibers, such as wool and silk, a hot water soak is recommended before mordanting, whereas cellulose fibers (cotton and linen) require additional tannin pre-treatment for best results.

Dye Concentration and Color Adjustment

The final shade achieved with Fustic Powder Extract varies with dye concentration and mordant choice. A typical concentration range of 1-5% WOF yields a spectrum of yellows to deep olive greens. Overdyeing with indigo or iron after-baths can further diversify the palette, producing complex greens and darker shades. Alfa Chemistry's extract is concentrated, allowing efficient use across large textile batches, with a little dye going a long way.

Color Fastness and Durability

Fustic dye's lightfastness and washfastness are moderate to good, making it suitable for apparel and home textiles with controlled exposure to light. Protein fibers treated with Fustic Powder Extract exhibit greater fastness than cellulose fibers due to stronger dye bonds. For extended durability, textile items dyed with fustic should be protected from direct sunlight exposure, particularly those dyed on plant-based fibers. Alfa Chemistry recommends post-mordanting with iron or copper to improve fastness and achieve darker, more resilient hues.

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