An environmental friendly approach in printing of natural fabrics on using chitosan and chitosan nanoparticles

Abstract

The present work aims to confirm the sustainability of the environment for future generations, decrease pollution caused by textile printing, overcome the problems of using synthetic colorants, thickeners, and fabrics on ecological balance and human health, This research aims to study the effect of using chitosan and chitosan nanoparticles in printing natural fabrics with natural dyes to contribute achieving health and functional aspects, and improving functional properties for natural fabrics and to emphasis on keeping up with global trends using Nanotechnology, Also, to produce antimicrobial fabrics to enhance the quality of the fabrics, by using three different methods pre-treatment, simultaneous, and post-treatment. Color strength (K/S), tensile strength, and all fastness properties were measured for each method. The results of the tests obtained that the K/S value of the treated fabrics with chitosan nanoparticles higher than the treated fabrics with chitosan and all treated fabrics have high fastness values for washing, perspiration, and rubbing. All treated fabric printed with Curcuma shows low light fastness properties. An ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) values of all the treated fabrics, printed with Curcuma and madder are higher than those of the blank ones referring to more ultraviolet protection. The turmeric, berberine, and madder were suitable as an antibacterial agent for Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli microorganisms. Chitosan nanopaticles more antimicrobial activity than chitosan. This led to an improvement of the function and health properties and quality of end fabrics while maintaining the ecological balance, and Increase the durability of treated natural fabrics and the default service life.