Investigation of the pH-Sensing Properties of Anthocyanin-Dyed Silk Fabric Prepared Using the Exhaustion Method

The study reports the successful fabrication of eco-friendly pH-sensing silk fabric utilizing silk woven fabric and anthocyanin dye extracted from Huyet du leaves (HD dye) via ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) with an aqueous ethanol solution. The dyeing process was conducted using an exhaustion method, maintaining a liquor-to-fabric ratio of 30:1 at temperatures of 60, 80, and 100 °C for durations of 30, 60, and 90 minutes. Comprehensive characterization of the dyed silk fabrics was performed using ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectra, CIE L*a*b* coordinates, color strength (K/S), color difference (ΔE), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), optical microscope, and pH-sensing capabilities. The results demonstrate effective incorporation of HD dye into silk fabric, with notable enhancements in color strength corresponding to increased dyeing time and temperature. Importantly, the pH-sensing properties of the dyed fabric displayed a “red-green traffic light” behavior in response to pH variations from 7 to 9, highlighting its potential for innovative smart textile applications.