Optimization of Natural Dyes Extraction from Mangifera indica (Gadung) Leaves

Abstract

In recent years, due to the massive pollution spread, the switchover to the eco-friendly process is being considered. Particularly, in textile industries, the wastewater containing dangerous substances dangers the condition of the rivers directing to the use of natural dyes. The existing traditional industries often use natural sources with lacks of study about the method and process condition to gain the best quality and the highest quantity of colorants. This study aim is to find the time for the extraction using common materials and simple method resembling the real situation. The common natural dye source, Mangifera indica leaves, particularly from Gadung species – a common type of Mangifera indica in Indonesia – is on this study using reflux method combined with methanol and water as its solvent separately. The steps used is a modification from the preceding process, which includes tannin and fatty acids in the final product. Spectral analysis indicated that the best time for extraction using water, which produces pale yellow color is 60 min, and the best time for extraction using methanol, which produces green color is 360 min. Therefore, the next application of boiling the materials with water can be reduced to the written times above.