Gallo Tannin Extract

Gallo tannin extract, derived from gallnuts, is a highly concentrated natural dye containing 50-60% tannin. Gallnuts, also known as galls, form on oak trees as a natural reaction to gall wasp larvae that induce excretions rich in tannins. The extract, which exhibits a tea-like aroma, is particularly valued in textile and natural dye industries due to its versatile color properties and excellent mordant capabilities.

Gallo tannin extract, offered by Alfa Chemistry, stands as a versatile and eco-conscious choice for textile dyeing and mordanting. Its combination of light, naturally occurring beige tones, and the ability to develop into darker hues through iron complexation makes it invaluable in natural dye applications.

Product Details and Packaging

Catalog	DYE-NDE-0010
Product Name	Gallo Tannin Extract
Source	Gallnuts
Form	Powder
Color	Brown, Silver, Gray and Black
Typical Use Rate	5-15% Weight of Fiber
Application	Cellulose, Silk, Wool
Weight	100 gm, 250 gm, 500 gm

Chemical Properties of Tannins

Tannins in gallnuts fall under the category of hydrolyzable tannins, primarily composed of gallotannins and ellagitannins. These polyphenolic structures hydrolyze in acidic or alkaline environments, releasing gallic and ellagic acids. This property contributes to the high reactivity of Gallo tannin with metal ions, particularly iron, which creates darker hues ideal for achieving classic textile colors like black, silver, and gray.

Advantages of using gallo tannin extract:

High Dye Efficiency - Gallo tannin extract's concentrated tannin content requires only small amounts to mordant large batches of textiles, offering both economic and environmental advantages.
Enhanced Colorfastness - The polyphenolic structure of tannins contributes to the lasting color vibrancy and stability, particularly when complexed with iron, making it a sustainable choice for high-quality textile dyeing.
Natural and Sustainable Sourcing - With gallnuts sourced from natural forest ecosystems in Asia and minimal processing, Gallo tannin extract serves as a sustainable alternative to synthetic mordants and dyes, aligning with eco-friendly textile production practices.

Application in Textile Mordanting

One of the primary applications of Gallo tannin extract lies in its role as a mordant in textile dyeing. Mordanting is essential in natural dye processes to ensure colorfastness and enhance dye adherence. A 5% solution of Gallo tannin based on the weight of fiber (WOF) is highly effective, with 250g capable of mordanting approximately 5000g (11 lbs) of textile goods.

Process and Efficiency in Mordanting

1) Preparation: The tannin is dissolved in warm water, allowing the fibers to be fully immersed.

2) Absorption: Due to tannins' strong affinity for natural fibers, they bond quickly with materials like cotton, linen, wool, and silk.

3) Result: The fibers exhibit a light beige hue post-mordanting, which, when treated with iron, can transform to darker shades.

Dye Transformation Through Iron Modifier

The beige color imparted by Gallo tannin extract provides a neutral base that can develop into various shades when combined with metal salts. The reaction between tannins and iron salts forms complex compounds that appear as silver, gray, or black hues on fabric, expanding the range of achievable colors.

Process of Color Transformation

Upon treating tannin-mordanted fibers with an iron solution, the dye molecules form iron-tannin complexes.
The metal mordant intensifies the tannin dye to produce darker hues ranging from silver-gray to deep black, depending on concentration.
Iron-tannin complexes exhibit high colorfastness, resisting washing and light exposure, making them ideal for natural textile applications.

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