Preparation and Characterization of Polyurethane Nanocapsules Containing Cassia alata Linn. Extract

Abstract

Polyurethane nanocapsules contg. Cassia alata leaves ext. were synthesized by an emulsion diffusion process. The influences of stirring speed and diln. time were studied on the chem. and phys. properties of nanocapsules. Fourier Transform IR Spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to study the chem. structure of nanocapsules and Cassia alata leaves ext. Size distribution and morphol. of nanocapsules were examd. using laser particle size analyzer and SEM (SEM) resp. The encapsulated were applied to finish cotton fabrics to enhance antibacterial property. The results revealed that polyurethane nanocapsules contg. Cassia alata leaves ext. were successfully synthesized by an emulsion diffusion method. The diln. time influenced encapsulation yield. The stirring speed and diln. time do not have a significant effect on particle size distribution. The obtained nanocapsules are rather spherical shape and smooth surface. Cotton fabrics finished with nanocapsules showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. [on SciFinder(R)]