RESUMO
With the increasing demand for environmentally friendly dyes, natural dye has become an attractive option replacing toxic synthetic dyes. Within the framework of this research, the natural dye of Chrozophora tinctoria L. was extracted using the microwave-assisted extraction method under different operating conditions. The influence of different factors influencing the extraction process (such as pH, extraction time, and microwave power) on the extraction efficiency was investigated by means of a multilevel three-factor design. The suggested model has a high coefficient of determination, indicating high predictability and good approximation. Optimal microwave extraction process conditions were obtained at a value of microwave power equal to 650 W, at a pH of 5 during a period of 3 min. Dyed wool and silk fabrics showed very good washing and light fastness properties.