Abstract: The water extraction technology was applied to extract berberine from Coptis chinensis Franch. The extracts were applied to dyeing of nylon 6. The basic performance of extracts and the effects of dyeing temperature, value of pH and sodium sulfate dosage on K/S value of dyeings were analyzed. The good building-up property, absorption performance and color fastness of berberine on nylon 6 were also investigated. It was found that the basic component of extracts was berberine. The K/S value of dyeings was decreased with the increase in dyeing temperature, but increased with the increase in dyeing pH. The dyeing rate was increased with the increase in dyeing temperature, Langmuir equation can better fitted the absorption of berberine on nylon 6. The color fastness of dyed fabrics were above 3 class after treatment with fixing agent.

Key words: berberine, nylon 6, dyeing, absorption, natural dye