Coloration and multi-functionalization of cotton fabrics using different combinations of aqueous natural plant extracts of onion peel, turmeric root, and pomegranate rind

Increasing popular interest in health and hygiene has amplified the demand for natural plant-based extracts in textile applications. To enable functionalization, aqueous extracts of natural plant parts, specifically onion peel, turmeric root, and pomegranate rind in combination, were applied to cotton fabric by exhaustion, and their antimicrobial activity, UV blocking properties, antioxidant activity, and color properties were investigated. UV–visible spectroscopy was performed to confirm the presence of polyphenolic compounds, such as flavonoids, curcumin, and tannins in onion peel, turmeric root, and pomegranate rind extracts, respectively. The functional properties of the extracts differed owing to their different chemical structures and bioactivities. A synergistic effect of the pomegranate rind extract with onion peel and turmeric root on antimicrobial activity, antioxidant activity, and UV protection performance was observed. The relatively poor color properties of the pomegranate rind and onion peel extracts were considerably enhanced by the addition of turmeric root extract primarily containing an intense yellow colorant, curcumin. All treated fabrics had yellow hues, and their color fastness ranged from moderate to excellent. The aqueous natural plant extract combinations of onion peel, turmeric root, and pomegranate rind could be an innovative approach to improve dyeing and functional properties in sustainable textile applications.