PENGOPTIMALAN UKURAN DAUN MUDA STROBILANTHES CUSIA SEBAGAI PEWARNA ALAM INDIGO MELALUI PROSES MASERASI

Abstract

Indigo is one of the blue natural dyes used by batik crafts and the textile industries. Indigo is obtained by taking dye from the Strobilanthes cusia plants. The growth of them in Indonesia are abundant, especially in Temanggung Regency. This study aimed to determine the effect of Strobilanthes cusia young leaves size on the indigo color and the effect of maceration time on the indigo color. The process of taking indigo dye consisted of chopping young leaves with various sizes (0,5;1;2;3;4;5 cm; and not chopped), maceration using water solvent at room temperature with varying time (2;3; 4; 5; 6; 24; 48; and 72 hours), and the separation of the filtrate from residue. The results of the experiment based on the physical appearance showed that there were differences in the color density and the sediment appearance. To determine indigo color, the experimental results were analyzed using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer at wavelength of 409 nm. The optimum conditions were obtained maceration time of 72 hours, leaves size of 0.5 cm and the highest absorbance value of 18.45. To determine indirubin color, the experimental results were analyzed at wavelength of 678 nm. The optimum conditions were obtained maceration time of 72 hours, leaves size of 0.5 cm, and the highest  absorbance value of 7.575. The high absorbance value indicates that the concentration of indigo dye in the Strobilanthes cusia leaves is also the highest according to Lambert Beer's Law. Strobilanthes cusia has potential as a natural dye with indigo and indirubin colors.