The current study deals with the extraction of dye from Ricinus communis leaves using microwave assisted extraction technique and the colour yield was compared with conventional method. Factors affecting dye extraction such as extraction time, temperature, dye source concentration, pH and irradiation power was studied. The selected cotton fabric was dyed with the natural dye extracted by both microwave and conventional method using padding mangle. Antibacterial activity of the dyed fabrics was investigated. The results indicated that the dye source concentration of 7 % and extraction time of 2 min with irradiation power of 80W at pH 7 resulted in maximum dye yield in microwave assisted dye extraction whereas a dye source concentration of 8 % at pH 8 with extraction time of 150 min at 900C resulted in maximum dye yield in conventional extraction method. The dyed fabrics showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Colour fastness properties of dyed fabrics to washing, rubbing, exposure to sun light and pressing have also been assessed and compared. The results of colour fastness properties of the dyed fabrics were good to excellent. Tensile strength, thickness, weight, stiffness and absorbency of the fabrics before and after dyeing were also evaluated. The results indicate that microwave assisted extraction method was an excellent alternative technique for the extraction of dye from Ricinus communis leaves.
