Description
TARA EXTRACT is a tannic extract prepared from tara (Caesalpinia spinosa (Feuillée ex Molina) Kuntze) pods. A rich natural tannin with low colour.
THIS PRODUCT IS NOT SIMPLY GROUND TARA PODS BUT AN EXTRACT WITH A HIGHER TANNIN CONTENT
Main constituents : Gallic acid derived hydrolysable tannins (around 5 gallic acid units per tannin unit). Tannin content > 95%. This tannin has a low colour.
Uses :
Mordanting cellulose fibers : Tara extract is rich in tannins. In pre-mordanting baths, tara extract enhances the mordant fixation on cellulosic fibers, usually more difficult to dye.
Dyeing and textile printing of natural fibers : Tara extract provides shades from beige to grey and black according to the dyebath. Tara also allows to dye in purplish black the wool and cotton, with iron sulfate.
Other uses : tannery, iron gall ink preparation.
The plant :
Tara is a thorny shrub native from Peru. It is a widely spread species in Central America. Peru is the main producer of tara where it is grown in agroforestry systems. Pods are an important source of tannins. Tara gum is produced from the seeds. This plant is also used by local populations for its traditional medicinal properties.
