Innovative Dual Antimicrobial & Anticrease Finishing of Cotton Fabric

Abstract

Quaternary chitosan “Q. chitosan” was prepared by the reacting chitosan with an ionic reactive oligomer “IRO” and analyzed to ensure the Q. chitosan production. Q. chitosan was incorporated in a cross-linking formulation containing glyoxal as a cross-linking agent and MgCl2·6H2O as a catalyst. This formulation was applied under different conditions to cotton fabric according to the pad-dry-cure method with a view to induce permanent dual antimicrobial and anticrease finishing. The extent of the interaction of Q. chitosan with cotton fabric, expressed as %N, in presence and absence of glyoxal was studied. Fabrics so finished were monitored for antimicrobial wrinkle resistance, tensile strength and whiteness properties as well as durability of the finish for the excessive washings. Results obtained disclose that (a) the Q. chitosan finish is attached to the cotton cellulose through chemical bonding as well as physical forces, (b) that the extent of the interaction is only significant at a curing temperature of 160°C and above, (c) that increasing the Q. chitosan concentration acts in favor of the extent of the interaction and (d) yellowing occurs after finishing particularly under longer time of curing. The results also disclose that cotton treated with Q. chitosan at a concentration of 1.5% on weight of fabric showed 100% of bacterial reduction. The activity was maintained over 95% even after being exposed to 10 consecutive home laundering conditions. It was also found that the antibacterial activity of quaternized chitosan against Staphylococcus aureus is stronger than that of chitosan.