Environmentally Sound Approach for Fabrication of Antibacterial/Anti-UV/Anti-crease and Fragrant Denim Fabrics

Abstract

A green approach for imparting multifunctional properties namely antibacterial, anti-UV, anti-crease and fragrance property to indigo dyed cotton denim fabrics using environmentally benign finishing, hosting and bioactive agents was investigated. In the current work, pre-loading of MCT-βCD, as a hosting agent, via ester-cross linking using CA/SHP, as formaldehyde-free cross linking system using pad-dry-cure method, followed by post-treatment with selected bio-active agents namely Clove oil, Lavender oil, Tulsi oil and Vanillin AR were carried out to add new, durable and desirable functional properties. The obtained results demonstrated that the variation in the efficacy and durability of the imparted functional properties is governed by extent of loading the modified βCD, number and availability of hydrophobic hosting-cavities, type and chemical constituents of the guest molecule and its extent of inclusion into the created cavities via formation of host-guest complex, as well as its retention or release during the washing process. The remarkable improvement in antibacterial activity against the pathogenic bacteria followed the decreasing order: Tulsi≥Clove>Vanillin>Lavender>>None. The obtained results also demonstrated that, the imparted anti-UV capability of post-loaded denim samples follows the descending order: Vanillin>Tulsi>Clove>Lavender>>None. The imparted functional properties showed a high durability even after 15 washes.