PERFORMANCE AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ALOE VERA MICROCAPSULES ON SILK/LYOCELL BLENDED FABRIC

Abstract

In this study, silk and lyocell fibers are blended in the ratio of 50:50 and used in warp and weft directions for the construction of a plain weave fabric. Aloe vera based microcapsules have been used to impart antibacterial finish and its performance on silk/lyocell blended fabrics have been assessed by scanning electron microscope, electron dispersive x-ray, fourier transform infrared spectrum, agar diffusion test, bacterial reduction test, and durability against washing. SEM analysis shows that the aloe vera capsules are impregnated in the fabric. EDX also proved the presence of aloe vera in the fabric by showing the presence of chemicals like Mg, Ca, K, Al and Fe which are not present in the untreated fabric. FTIR spectra of aloe vera treated samples showed an ether group, an alcohol secondary group, an aromatic group and a nitro group which shows the probable chromophoric groups likely to be present in the leaf, gel and root of aloe vera. The results of agar diffusion test clearly showed that aloe vera treated S/L 50:50 blended fabrics have very good antibacterial properties and do not allow the growth of bacteria under the treated fabric. The zone of inhibition was found to be very good and ranged from 28 mm to 30 mm. Bacterial reduction test showed the percentage reduction values of both the microorganisms S. aureus and E. coli to be more than 97%. The wash durability of aloe vera treated fabrics lasted up to 25 washes.