In-Situ Polymerization of Maleic Acid in Presence of Aloe vera Gel for Development of Eco-Friendly Eri Silk-based Handlooms

Ashis Narayan Amita Banerjee,Dibyendu Bikash Datta,Debasish Das

doi:10.1007/s40034-022-00237-5

Abstract

In this study, eri silk-based handloom fabrics were finished with Aloe vera gel employing maleic acid as a cross-linking agent using a pad-dry-cure method. Water-soluble Aloe vera gel of varying concentrations of 5 to 15% (w/v) was also used in the finishing bath for imparting antibacterial property to the finished fabric along with the anti-crease properties. Assessment of changes in the properties of finished fabric shows substantial improvement in wrinkle recovery of the finished silk fabric achieved at the expense of strength and flexibility at moderate levels. Changes in the chemical nature of silk fabric on such modifications have been studied by infrared (IR) spectroscopy and reported also in this research article. The study proposes a thermal curing system that is conducive to in-situ polymerization of maleic acid in presence of Aloe vera for the development of eco-friendly eri silk-based handlooms with antibacterial and anti-crease properties, without a significant loss in strength. The antimicrobial property appears to remain significant even when the fabric is subjected to wash up to 10 wash cycles.

Highlights

Silk is an important environment-friendly biodegradable protein fibre considered and identified to be the textile fibre of the future that supports most among the natural fibres the growing concept of sustainably in respect of its production from the silkworm
The results demonstrate that the antimicrobial activity of Aloe vera gel treated fabric is excellent for both the gram-positive (S. aureus) and gram-negative (E. coli) bacteria
To study the role of esterification catalyst and free radical polymerization catalyst for the pad-dry-cure technique of silk fabric with maleic acid, the silk fabric was treated with maleic acid in absence of either of the two catalysts with varying concentrations of Aloe vera gel @ 5% to 15% (w/v)

Summary

Introduction

Silk is an important environment-friendly biodegradable protein fibre considered and identified to be the textile fibre of the future that supports most among the natural fibres the growing concept of sustainably in respect of its production from the silkworm. Silk is a structure less secretion in the form of a cocoon consisting of continuous filament and classified under two varieties namely domesticated and wild silk. The filament is smooth, lustrous, elastic and the length varies from cocoon to cocoon and from species to species. Fibroin is the silk fibre usually coated with sericin the silk cover, in other words, sericin encloses fibroin in a continuous sheet. Eri silk is highly valued for the environmental-friendly approach that is taken during its farming and production and for its qualities. In the summer, it provides a cooling effect, whereas on colder days it provides warmth and a feeling of coziness. Touching the smooth texture of these hand-woven textiles allows us to imagine the journey of its creation, a sensation we would like more people to discover and enjoy

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