Buckthorn Berry Extract

Buckthorn Berry Extract is a vibrant yellow dye derived from the fruit of Rhamnus saxatilis, commonly known as Persian Berry. Prized in textile dyeing for its warm, rich hues, Buckthorn Berry Extract offers versatility across various fabric types. Alfa Chemistry is proud to provide a premium quality Buckthorn Berry Extract, specifically designed to meet the demands of natural dye applications in sustainable fashion, artisanal crafts, and textile preservation.

Chemical Composition and Dye Properties of Buckthorn Berry Extract

The primary active colorant in Buckthorn Berry Extract is emodin, a naturally occurring anthraquinone derivative. This compound contributes to the extract's bright yellow to golden tones, which can be modified based on the fiber type and dyeing method. The composition also includes tannins, contributing to its strong bonding affinity with protein fibers. The yellow obtained from buckthorn berries is warmer and richer compared to other yellow dyes, such as weld or marigold, due to these unique chemical constituents.

Product Details and Packaging

Dye Affinity and Performance on Different Fiber Types

Buckthorn Berry Extract demonstrates optimal results on protein fibers such as wool and silk, where it creates deep, luminous yellow shades that are highly resistant to fading. When applied to animal fibers, Buckthorn Berry offers excellent color saturation, often yielding a vibrant golden hue at 5% weight of fiber (WOF). This amount can be adjusted to 10% WOF for intensified shades, enabling tailored results for custom dye projects.

For plant-based fibers like cotton, Buckthorn Berry Extract also performs well, though results may vary. Plant fibers often yield a slightly softer shade, suitable for achieving more subtle tones. Adding a mordant such as alum can enhance its bonding to cellulose fibers, while an iron (ferrous sulfate) post-bath shifts the color towards a rich olive shade, adding versatility to the palette.

Mordanting Techniques for Enhanced Color Fastness

To maximize the color fastness and brilliance of Buckthorn Berry Extract, Alfa Chemistry recommends mordanting techniques compatible with natural dyes. Alum (potassium aluminum sulfate) is highly effective as a primary mordant for cotton, linen, and other cellulose fibers, improving the extract's binding affinity and enhancing the yellow shade. For animal fibers, an iron mordant can be introduced post-dyeing to produce deeper shades, transitioning from sunny yellows to more muted, antique tones.

Comparative Analysis of Buckthorn Berry Extract with Other Natural Yellows

In comparison to other natural yellow dyes such as weld (Reseda luteola) and marigold (Tagetes spp.), Buckthorn Berry Extract delivers a unique shade of yellow that complements a wide range of textile applications. Its warmer hue makes it particularly valuable for seasonal palettes, producing deeper yellows that are less vibrant than weld but more versatile for creating earthy, antique looks. Unlike French Weld, which excels on cellulose fibers, Buckthorn Berry Extract is especially suited for protein fibers, offering artisans and textile manufacturers a rich array of color options.

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