Eco-friendly development of multi-functional textiles using rice straw extract

www.nature.com/scientificreports OPEN Eco-friendly development of multifunctional textiles using rice straw extract Marwa Abou-Taleb1, Khlood S. Abdel Zaher 2, Salwa Mowafi1 & Galal A. M. Nawwar2 Rice straw extract (RSE) is a significant source of phenolic compounds and flavonoids that can be used to functionalize textile fibers. Based on this finding, this work aims to study the potential of the extract from rice straw pulping liquor, as sustainable and multifunctional natural dye for simultaneous coloration and finishing of both natural (wool and silk) and synthetic (nylon 6) fabrics. Fabrics were treated by different concentrations of RSE (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8% wt/v) for 1 h. The effect of bath pH and temperature as well as atmospheric-plasma pretreatment on fabric affinity towards RSE was evaluated. RSE was characterized by Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/ MS), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV–Vis spectroscopy. Color strength (K/S) and colorimetric data of the RSE dyed fabrics along with their fastness properties against washing and light were measured. Chemical, physical and thermal discrepancy between undyed and RSE dyed fabrics was monitored using FTIR, moisture regains, wettability, X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) along with diffraction scanning calorimetry (DSC). The alterations in the morphological structure of the plasma pretreated fabrics were studied using scanning electron microscopy. The findings of this work introduce an eco-friendly and economically feasible route for the valorization of rice straw waste as sustainable alternative to certain chemical finishing agents. RSE developed multifunctional protective textiles with effective coloration with excellent UV protection and antioxidant activity along with improved thermal stability. Keywords Natural dye, Phenolic compounds, Flavonoids, Wool, Nylon 6, Silk, Antioxidant Rice straw, a byproduct of rice cultivation, recent research efforts have been focused on recycling rice straw to develop valuable products using environmentally friendly and economically feasible processes1–4. These include the production of nanohybrids, antioxidants and silica/lignin- based materials which are utilized in paper production, soil improvement, paint, Rubber industry5–9. The antioxidant potential of rice straw extract is strongly associated with the composition of phenolic compounds10–12. Previous studies identified that p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid, cis-p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, sinapic acid, and related derivatives13–17, these phenolic compounds are sustainable, non-toxic, biodegradable, safe for human use and exhibit antimicrobial and UV-shielding properties12,18. Among the textile materials, wool and silk are two widely used natural protein-based fibers because of their hygroscopicity, softness, and good mechanical properties19,20. On the other side, Nylon 6 (Polyamide 6) is a synthetic fiber extensively employed for its strength, elasticity, abrasion, and deformation resistance21. Conventional textile dyeing is relying heavily on synthetic dyes which, despite their color brilliance and fastness, significantly contribute to environmental pollution due to their toxicity, poor biodegradability22,23, and resistant to wastewater treatment, these Concerns have driven increasing interest in green methods and novel natural and functional properties of wool and silk fabrics for sustainable textile coloration and finishing24–26. Natural dyes are rich in phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin compounds, which not only impart coloration but also offer multifunctional properties such as UV protection, antimicrobial activity, and antioxidant properties27–30, making them suitable for medical, hygienic, decorative applications these functional fabrics can protect skin from aging and oxidative damage while enhancing fabric durability31–34. Accordingly, the incorporation of natural dyes into textile processing aligns with global trends toward sustainable production and circular economy models11. Moreover, previous studies have reported the use of various plant parts extracts for on-pot coloration and fishing of nylon 6 surface with UV protection, antibacterial, and flame retardant35–39. 1Proteinic and Man-made Fibres Department, Textile Research and Technology Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Dokki 12622, Egypt. 2Green Chemistry Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt. email: Scientific Reports | (2026) 16:11361 | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-43684-5 1 www.nature.com/scientificreports/ In the textile industry, plasma technology is utilized as effective and green tool. It includes changing the surface properties of textile materials without changing the bulk properties by using ionized gas that contains energetic species like electrons, ions, and radicals40. Plasma treatments can enhance hydrophilicity, dye uptake, printability, adhesion, and even antimicrobial characteristics. The mechanism involves the generation of active sites and the introduction of polar functional groups to improve surface reactivity and compatibility with successive finishing agents or coatings41. Low-pressure and atmospheric pressure plasma systems have been applied with great success to a wide range of fibers, from wool, polyester, polypropylene and nylon. Consequently, these processes are becoming significant in green textile manufacturing because they are considered a cleaner and more efficient alternative for surface functionalization or finishing. Recent studies have reported the development of multifunctional textiles with combined protective and functional properties using advanced materials and processing techniques42,43. However, most of these approaches rely on synthetic chemicals or complex fabrication routes, while the utilization of agricultural waste derived natural dyes for simultaneous coloration and multifunctional fishing of both natural and synthetic fibers remains limited. Based on the background, this study explores rice straw extract as a green, multifunctional natural dye for simultaneous coloration and functional fishing of wool and silk, nylon 6 fabrics. The effect of atmosphericplasma pretreatment on enhancing fabric affinity toward the extract along with the imparted UV-protective, antioxidant, and thermal stability properties, is systematically investigated. This approach offers potential economic advantages, including low production costs and the value of sustainable textile products in emerging eco-friendly markets. Materials and methods Materials Samples of rice straw, about 1.0 m long, were gathered from the El-Sharkia Government in Egypt. For later usage, the rice straw was cut to a size of 2.0 mm and kept at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Plain weaved crossbred wool fabric 140 g/m2, plain weaved structure nylon 6 fabric 180 g/m2, degummed woven natural silk (...truncated)