Investigating performance of cotton and lyocell knit treated with microcapsules containing Citrus unshiu oil

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate performances of cotton and lyocell knit treated with microcapsules of Citrus unshiu essential oil (MIC-CUEO) with regard to varied amounts of microcapsule and binder. Two different knits (cotton 100 % and lyocell 100 %) were respectively treated with prepared MIC-CUEO under four different concentrations of microcapsule and an acrylic binder. Surface morphology by SEM and weight add-on percentages were investigated. Mechanical properties by Kawabata Evaluation System (KES) and comfort attributes such as moisture regain, water absorption, water vapor permeability, and air permeability were assessed. Release behavior over time was evaluated depending on laundering repetition. As results, the both knits were found as stiffer and less puff slightly after MIC-CUEO treatment. Due to additive components such as binder and microcapsules, hygroscopicity and water transportation were slightly debased overall as well as air permeability, which was however assumed as not significant to affect wearer’s comfort. Even though the treated knits didn’t seem to release the oil much under every condition, 7-5 combination of microcapsule and an acrylic binder was thought to retain the oil the most on both cotton and lyocell. In a future work, biological and sensory functions should be discussed for MIC-CUEO treated knits.