Eco-friendly development of multi-functional textiles using rice straw extract

Rice straw extract (RSE) is a significant source of phenolic compounds and flavonoids that can be used to functionalize textile fibers. Based on this finding, this work aims to study the potential of the extract from rice straw pulping liquor, as sustainable and multifunctional natural dye for simultaneous coloration and finishing of both natural (wool and silk) and synthetic (nylon 6) fabrics. Fabrics were treated by different concentrations of RSE (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8% wt/v) for 1 h. The effect of bath pH and temperature as well as atmospheric-plasma pretreatment on fabric affinity towards RSE was evaluated. RSE was characterized by Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV–Vis spectroscopy. Color strength (K/S) and colorimetric data of the RSE dyed fabrics along with their fastness properties against washing and light were measured. Chemical, physical and thermal discrepancy between undyed and RSE dyed fabrics was monitored using FTIR, moisture regains, wettability, X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) along with diffraction scanning calorimetry (DSC). The alterations in the morphological structure of the plasma pretreated fabrics were studied using scanning electron microscopy. The findings of this work introduce an eco-friendly and economically feasible route for the valorization of rice straw waste as sustainable alternative to certain chemical finishing agents. RSE developed multifunctional protective textiles with effective coloration with excellent UV protection and antioxidant activity along with improved thermal stability.