Previous Year Questions

Question :

Directions : Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Customer demands and concerns about the environment have led to an increase in interest in environmentally friendly practices in the textile sector in recent years. Natural dyes, which come from plant, animal, or mineral sources, are becoming a good substitute for synthetic dyes because they're environmentally friendly and sustainable. The purpose of this investigation is to examine the latest developments and future prospects in natural dye research and their potential applications in the textile sector. The area of sustainable textile production has undergone a transformation because of recent developments in natural textile dyes. These developments include a wide range of topics related to natural dye research, including extraction techniques, dyeing processes, colour modulation, and environmentally friendly formulations. Extraction techniques have revolutionised as a result of the incorporation of modern technologies such as ultrasonic assistance, supercritical fluid extraction, and microwave-assisted extraction into traditional extraction procedures. The aforementioned techniques make natural dyes more commercially ____A____ for large-scale production by improving dye extraction efficiency and lowering down on energy and processing time. Simultaneously, advancements in dyeing techniques have tackled enduring issues related to natural dyes, like inadequate colour fastness and irregular dye adsorption. Pretreatment methods such as natural fixatives and mordanting have been improved, and advances in dyeing equipment and automation allow for accurate control of dyeing parameters, which saves water and energy and produces consistent colour results. Furthermore, researchers have concentrated on using colour modification techniques to increase the colour palette of natural dyes, enabling a wider range of colours from vivid hues to delicate hues. This is accomplished by varying the extraction settings or mixing various dye sources, providing textile designers with previously unheard-of creative freedom. Furthermore, attempts have been undertaken to create environmentally friendly natural dye formulations that use safer substitutes, such as natural thickeners and mordants, in place of dangerous chemicals. In the long run, natural dyes have a bright future in the textile sector due to rising consumer demand for eco-friendly products and government backing for green business practices. There are still issues, such as the restricted colour spectrum when compared to synthetic dyes and fluctuations in dye supply and colour intensity because of environmental influences. Nonetheless, these difficulties offer chances for more study, creativity, and cooperation between academics, producers of textiles, and decision-makers. Natural dyes have the potential to significantly impact the future of sustainable textile production and promote a more socially and environmentally responsible sector with sustained improvements and industry-wide initiatives.

Research gap suggests that there is a major vacuum in research concerning the latest developments and potential applications of natural dyes in textiles is the lack of comprehensive studies that tackle the environmental sustainability and scalability of manufacturing and application procedures over the long run. Even while recent studies have concentrated on advancing extraction methods, refining dyeing procedures, and broadening the range of colours available in natural dyes, thorough evaluations of the environmental effects of these developments are still required. Many important areas are covered by the research objectives of current developments and potential uses of natural dyes in textiles. The first step in improving efficiency and sustainability is to refine extraction methods from plant, animal, and mineral sources. To attain superior colour fastness and uniformity, the second goal is to enhance dyeing procedures by investigating pre-treatment approaches, mordanting methods, and dye fixing tactics. Third, to learn about colour modulation strategies to extend the spectrum of colours that may be achieved using natural dyes, thus producing a greater variety of tones. The ultimate objective is to encourage the use of natural dyes in textile production by identifying obstacles and creating plans for supply chain dynamics, market acceptance, and economic viability. By tackling these objectives, researchers hope to promote sustainability and creativity in the textile sector by expanding knowledge of and use of natural dyes. When it comes to textile colouration, natural dyes provide substantial sustainability benefits that are consistent with the values of ethical sourcing, environmental stewardship, and circular economy methods. The biodegradability and low environmental impact of natural dyes are two of their main sustainability advantages. Natural dyes are made from renewable resources, including plants, minerals, and insects. When used, they decompose into innocuous molecules, helping to secure a cleaner and more sustainable future for the textile industry.

Which of the following best reflects the research gaps identified in the passage regarding natural dyes in textiles?