The present study was conducted to investigate the color strength (K/S), color fastness, antibacterial and antioxidant properties of silk fabric using Cichorium intybus root extract as a natural dye. Comparative results of color fastness (fastness to wash, rub, light and perspiration) and colorimetric properties (CIELab and K/S values) of dyed silk samples were studied to quantify the effect of mordants and mordanting method. Alum and Myrobalan were used as mordants. Three methods of mordanting techniques were used (pre, meta and post mordanting). The samples showed acceptable color strength and color fastness values. The antibacterial activity of the dyed samples with and without mordants was tested against common pathogens Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The antioxidant property of the dyed fabric was analyzed by DPPH method. Cichorium intybus proved to be very effective in inhibiting microbial growth. The results of DPPH assay were positive for all the samples. The dyeing of silk fabric with Cichorium intybus root extract provided a multifunctional textile material with both antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
