DYEING OF MATRINXÃ (BRYCON AMAZONICUS, SPIX AGASSIZ) LEATHER WITH PIGMENTS FROM CRAJIRU (ARRABIDAEA CHICA VERLOT) LEAVES

Natural dyes made from fruit peels, seeds, flowers and other parts of the plant, which preserve the Amazonian flora and are not harmful to health and the environment, can be used as an alternative for dyeing fish leather. The objective of this work was to evaluate the use of dye from the leaves of the crajiru (Arrabidaea chica Verlot) in the dyeing of matrinxã leather (Brycon amazonicus, Spix Agassiz). Crajiru leaves were oven dried at 65 ºC, ground and evaluated for moisture, dry matter, phenolic compounds, water-soluble pigments and pH. Aqueous solution of leaves (dry and ground) in proportions of 5, 10 and 15% (w/v) were used in the dyeing of matrinxã leather. After dyeing and finishing, the leather samples were evaluated for coloration, scanning electron microscopy, lightfastness and washability test. The dye showed resistance to the action of light (fluorescent and solar) and water. Due to the proportion of the dye, the color varied from red-purple to wine. Although there was no statistical difference between the proportions of 10 and 15%, the highest concentration (15%) resulted in a more intense coloration. Under the conditions and proportions adopted, both proved to be adequate. The choice of proportion depends on the desired color, shade and availability of crajiru. Therefore, crajiru can be an excellent source of natural coloring, since in the Amazon this plant is quite common, easy to grow and has a rapid growth cycle.