Control Cotton Fabric Research Articles

One-pot synthesis of phosphorous, iodine atoms co-functionalized graphene for high-performance supercapacitor and flame-retardant applications

There has been extensive research on heteroatom-doped graphene for electrochemical energy storage and flame-retardant (FR) applications. Herein, we used a one-pot method for developing phosphorous, iodine co-doped reduced graphene oxide (PI@rGO) from red phosphorus and iodine via in situ graphene oxide (GO) reduction for supercapacitor and FR applications. In a symmetrical two-electrode cell device, the as-prepared PI@rGO demonstrated good super capacitive performance of 178 F g−1 at a current density of 1.0 A g−1, along with an exceptional energy density of 20 Wh kg−1 and power density of 1791 W kg−1. The as-synthesized PI@rGO demonstrated outstanding cyclic stability at a high current density of 10 A g−1, retaining up to 84 % of its initial capacitance after more than 6000 recurrent charge–discharge cycles. The synthesized PI@rGO showed excellent FR properties toward cotton fabric and sustained cotton fabric up to 337 s with continuous flame exposure. The control cotton fabric was completely burned in 16 s. The synthesized PI@rGO coated cotton fabric showed an excellent value of 39 % limiting oxygen index and residual char length of 2 cm. With the excellent super capacitive performance and FR properties, PI@rGO can be a promising candidate for different applications including supercapacitors and FR products.

Enhanced antimicrobial performance of textiles coated with TiO2 nanoparticles

Modifying cotton fabrics to obtain significant new properties is of relevance to creating multifunctional textiles that could address challenges across different sectors. One of the critical challenges associated with textiles is hospital-acquired infections, which could be prevented through the utilization of antimicrobial fabrics. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) have been introduced in literature for their photocatalytic antibacterial applications against prevalent microorganisms, such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. A newly developed coating process was utilized that includes chemical modification and nanocoating of cotton fabrics to achieve safe to use products that demonstrate durable and highly effective antibacterial properties. Thorough characterization was conducted to analyze the properties of the utilized materials and investigate the quality of the NPs coating on the cotton fabrics. Bacterial cultures and colony counts were performed using standard microbiological techniques. Bacterial studies revealed that the TiO2 NPs coated textile exhibited a significant antibacterial property with 99.99% bacteria growth reduction for S. aureus and E coli, in comparison to the control cotton fabrics. Coating durability analysis was also conducted by washing the coated fabrics using a standard protocol and repeating the qualitative and antibacterial characterization. The durability study revealed the outstanding performance of the coating technology to withstand at least 40x intensive washing cycles with >98% bacteria growth reduction for S. aureus and E coli. These results demonstrate the effectiveness and commercial suitability of the presented process to produce cotton textiles with outstanding antimicrobial properties that can reduce hospital-obtained infections.

Synthesis and evaluation of an eco-friendly and durable flame-retardant cotton fabrics based on a high-phosphorous-content

Cotton fabrics are extremely flammable. Therefore, ammonium salt of dipentaerythritol hexaphosphoric acid (ADPHPA), a novel reactive phosphorus flame retardant without halogen and formaldehyde, was synthesized by solvent-free synthesis method. Surface chemical graft modification was chosen to introduce flame retardant, imparting its flame retardancy and washability. SEM indicated that ADPHPA entered the interior of cotton fiber, which was grafted with OH of control cotton fabrics (CCF) by forming POC covalent bonds to obtain treated cotton fabrics (TCF). There were no apparent differences in the fiber morphology and crystal structure after treatment according to SEM and XRD analysis. TG analysis demonstrated that the decomposition process of TCF was changed compared with CCF, while lower heat release rate and total heat release of TCF indicated its combustion efficiency was also reduced based on cone calorimetry test. Meanwhile, in the durability test, TCF had undergone 50 laundering cycles (LCs) in accordance with AATCC-61-2013 3A standard and had a short vertical combustion charcoal length, which were able to be regard as durable flame-retardant fabrics. The mechanical properties of TCF decreased to a degree, but did not affect the actual use of cotton fabrics. Taken as a whole, ADPHPA has research significance and development potential as a durable phosphorus-based flame retardant.

Intumescent flame‐retardant and ultraviolet‐blocking coating screen‐printed on cotton fabric

Herein, we report an interlayer-confined strategy to intercalating two-dimensional zirconium phosphate (ZrP) within reduced graphene oxide (RGO) interlayers, generating the hierarchical ZrP–RGO hybrids. The hybrids were then blended with ammonium polyphosphate to fabricate an intumescent flame-retardant coating on cotton fabric through an automatic screen printing. The resulting cotton fabric shows an excellent self-extinguishing performance when subjected to a butane flame. During combustion, its peak heat release rate and total heat release are significantly decreased by 92.1% and 61.8% in contrast with control cotton fabric, and a flame-retardant mechanism is reasonably proposed by the condensed and gaseous analysis. Furthermore, the flame-retardant cotton fabric exhibits an excellent ultraviolet-blocking performance with the high ultraviolet protection factor of 201.51. Even after 300 cycles of abrasion, the coated cotton fabric retains the superior flame-retardant and ultraviolet-blocking properties. This work provides a simple and feasible strategy to prepare the multifunctional fabrics.

Exploration of flame retardant efficacy of cellulosic fabric using in-situ synthesized zinc borate particles

In the present context, synthesized zinc borate was demonstrated as a thermal resistant agent by applying it by in-situ method on the cotton fabric wherein zinc borate was synthesized from zinc nitrate and borax. Particle formation and its morphology were confirmed by particle size analyzer, and scanning electron microscopy analysis, respectively. It has been observed that zinc borate-cotton registered the high oxygen index value of 30% against 18% oxygen index of the control cotton fabric. Furthermore, zinc borate treated cotton fabric showed a black colour char and a char length of 25 mm. The extent of heat generated from the treated cotton fabric was also found to be 75% less compared to the untreated cotton fabric. A thermo-oxidative decomposition experiment was performed by thermo-gravimetry analyzer and reported in detail. It was found that the treated fabric recorded more than 40% weight retention at a higher temperature. The surface morphology of the charred mass was also examined to fortify the dehydration mechanism of the treated sample.

In Situ Production and Deposition of Bismuth Oxide Nanoparticles on Cotton Fabric

In this research, the cotton fabric was modified with bismuth oxide nanoparticles (Bi2O3 NPs) by a simple method. Bismuth oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical reduction of bismuth salt using nitric acid as reducing agent. In situ method was used for synthesis and deposition of bismuth oxide nanoparticles on cotton fabrics. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction for evaluation of crystal structure, scanning electron microscopy for presentation of morphology and size, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy for determination of chemical composition, atomic absorption spectroscopy for studding bismuth release, contact angle for explanation of hydrophobic character, and diffuse reflection spectroscopy for ultraviolet (UV) blocking. The antibacterial activity was evaluated by measurement of the reduction of the gram-negative Escherichia coli on modified cotton fabric. Based on the results, modified cotton fabric showed hydrophobic, UV-blocking properties, and antibacterial activity as compared with control cotton fabric, which will have high potential applications in various fields.

A novel high-molecular-weight flame retardant for cotton fabrics

A novel phosphorus-nitrogen based high-molecular-weight flame-retardant ammonium salt of N,N-bis(phosphonomethyl) polyacrylamide (FR-PA) was synthesized for cotton fabrics. The structure of FR-PA was characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR, 13C NMR, and 31P NMR) as well as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and its viscosity average molecular weight was 3700. FR-PA could be grafted on cotton fabrics by using the dip–pad–cure method. The limiting oxygen index of the treated cotton fabrics reached 40.1%; after 50 laundering cycles, the cotton fabrics still retained an LOI of 28.5%. The treated fiber surface was smooth, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy, and the flame retardant was grafted on the cotton fibers, as determined by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the treated cotton could leave a large amount of residue, and thermogravimetric infrared analysis indicated that the finished cotton released little flammable gas at high temperatures. Oxygen consumption cone calorimetry showed that the heat release rate and the total heat release of the treated cotton fabrics were significantly lower than those of the control cotton fabrics. Moreover, the stiffness and tensile strength of the treated cotton fabrics were also maintained.

Durable Antipilling Modification of Cotton Fabric with Chloropyrimidine Compounds.

Cotton fabric, a natural cellulose material, is widely used in the textile industry for its excellent properties. However, its application in some fields are seriously restricted because of its poor antipilling behavior. In this study, cotton fabrics were modified with 2,4,6-trichloropyrimidine (TLP), 2,4-dichloro-5-methoxypyrimidine (DMP), and 2-amino-4,6-dichloropyridine (ADP). The surface morphology and chemical structure of the modified cotton fabric were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Furthermore, the antipilling behavior, dyeing properties, thermal properties, and mechanical properties of modified cotton fabric were evaluated. The results showed that chloropyrimidine compounds were successfully grafted onto the surface of the cotton fabric, leading to excellent and durable antipilling activity of grade 3–4 even after 10 washes. Moreover, compared with control cotton fabric, the heat release rate (HRR) and total heat release (THR) of TLP-modified cotton fabric decreased to 173.2 W/g (42.3% reduction) and 11.3 KJ/g (13.7% reduction), respectively. In addition, the increased K/S value of modified cotton fabrics dyed with reactive dyes indicated that the modification can enhance the dyability of cotton fabric. This technique provides a simple and versatile method for improving the antipilling behavior of cellulosic materials and supports further preparation of functional textiles.

Sodium lignin sulfonate: a bio-macromolecule for making fire retardant cotton fabric

Sodium lignin sulfonate (SLS) has been explored as a fire retardant finishing agent on cotton fabric. 30% [w/v] SLS treated cotton fabric has registered LOI value of 28.5 with minimum char length of 4 cm (self-extinguishment) whereas control cotton fabric was found to burn out with flame and afterglow within 1 min. Thermo-gravimetry of the treated cotton fabric showed 35% mass retention at 500 °C while only 8% char mass was left for the control cotton fabric at the said temperature. Volatile species liberated during burning were analyzed by GC–MS technique which demonstrated the restriction of flammable gas formation from the SLS treated fabric. Char mass left after burning also has been characterized in terms of its morphology, elemental analysis, etc. Moreover, it has also been proven that SLS treatment imparts a natural attractive yellow color, UV protective property to the treated fabric without altering physical strength of the fabric which can be considered as an added advantage over flame retardant effect.

Highly efficient flame-retardant and soft cotton fabric prepared by a novel reactive flame retardant

The flame resistance of cotton fabric was greatly enhanced by a novel reactive flame retardant with serrated structure, ammonium salt of 1,3-diaminopropane tetra-(methylenephosphonic acid) (ADDTMPA), and the softness of cotton fabric was retained very well. The results showed that cotton fabric modified by 30% ADDTMPA had a LOI value of 41.5%, which remained well after 40 laundering cycles with a LOI value of 26.3%. The treated cotton fabric was not ignited in vertical flammability tests, and the results of cone calorimetry proved that the heat release rates and total heat release of treated cotton fabric decreased substantially. TG analysis showed that the treated cotton fabric had the lower initial decomposition temperature and more residues than control cotton fabric during combustion. TG-IR analysis showed that the treated cotton fabric released much less flammable volatile species than control cotton fabric. FTIR analysis indicated that the flame retardant was reactive in condensed phase and the flame retardant was grafted on cellulose by P–O–C bonds. EDX results showed that a large amount of phosphorus was introduced into the cotton fabric. SEM showed that the modification had little effect on the surface of cotton fibers, and a large amount of residue was maintained after combustion. The treatment by ADDTMPA could produce highly effective flame-retardant and soft cotton fabric. A novel phosphorus-based, halogen-free and formaldehyde-free flame retardant with serrated structure and reactive groups was synthesized to prepare highly efficient flame-retardant and soft cotton fabric by chemical grafting.

Wastage pomegranate rind extracts (PRE): a one step green solution for bioactive and naturally dyed cotton substrate with special emphasis on its fire protection efficacy

Pomegranate rind (Punica granatum) extracts (PRE), a widely available wastage material, are explored as new multifunctional finishing agent (fire retardant, natural dye, mordanting and antimicrobial agent) on cellulosic textiles. PRE has been applied on the cellulosic cotton fabric at higher temperature (90 °C, 30 min) in different concentrations. 400 g/L PRE extract treated fabric showed 15 times lower burning rate as compared to the control cotton fabric. Thermo-gravimetry of the PRE treated fabric showed earlier dehydration phenomenon and more amount of char mass formation. The resulting fire retardancy of the treated fabric is the combined reaction effect of the acid source (carbamic acid, ammonium salt, hexacontanoic acid, etc.), carbon source (carbonic dihydrazide, nona hexacontanoic acid, 1 hydroxy 2 pentanone, sugar based material) and blowing agent [nitrogen containing bases like guaninidine, asparigine (amino acid of protein), di amino guanidine and ethanamine, piperidine] present in the PRE extracts as observed from the Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy analysis. Antimicrobial efficacy of the PRE extract on cotton substrate has also been demonstrated successfully against both the Gram-positive and the Gram-negative bacteria because of its tannin and positively metal ion as well as amino acid contents. Furthermore, cotton fabric dyed from the PRE medium with anionic acid dye showed dark colour compared to the acid dyed cotton fabric from water medium, characteristics of the mordanting efficacy of the extract. Extract also has been explored as natural dye for the dyeing of the cotton textile substrates because of the presence of natural colouring material (betacyanin, coumarin, etc.) in it as observed from the phytochemical analysis of the extracts.

Sodium tri-polyphosphate in combination with pomegranate rind extracts as a novel fire-retardant composition for cellulosic polymer

For the first time, a mixed formulation of the sodium tri-polyphosphate (STPP) and the pomegranate rind extract (PRE) has been imparted to the cotton fabric to make it flame-retardant. It was found that the control, 3% STPP and PRE-treated cotton fabric showed the limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of 18, 21 and 26%, respectively, and completely burnt within 80, 120 and 420 s, respectively, in the vertical flammability test. On the contrary, (PRE + 2% STPP)-treated cotton fabric showed the LOI value of 35% with a specific char length of 30 mm. Thermo-gravimetric analysis of the control, PRE- and the 3% STPP-treated cotton fabric showed only 1–2% remaining char mass at 550 °C, whereas the (PRE + 3% STPP)-treated fabric registered the char mass retention of more than 10% at the said temperature. Cone calorimetric data showed that the peak heat release rate for the treated fabric has been reduced dramatically compared to the heat release value of the control cotton fabric.

A novel reactive phosphorous flame retardant for cotton fabrics with durable flame retardancy and high whiteness due to self-buffering

A novel phosphorus-containing flame retardant, ammonium salt of triethanolamine phosphoric ester acid (ATEPEA) was facilely synthesized under moderate and solvent-free conditions. The structure of ATEPEA was characterized by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 13C NMR, 31P NMR and FT-IR spectra. The results showed that the ATEPEA flame retardant (FR) was successfully synthesized and grafted onto the cotton fabrics through P–O–C covalent bonds. The cotton fabrics treated with the ATEPEA have the excellent flame retardancy and durability. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) values of cotton fabrics treated with 200 and 250 g/L ATEPEA were 44.0 and 46.6%, respectively; even after 50 laundering cycles, the LOI values still had 26.2 and 27.2%, respectively. These results confirmed that the ATEPEA FR had high efficiency and conferred excellent durability on cotton fabrics. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy suggested that the ATEPEA could infiltrate into the inner space of the cotton fibers. Thermogravimetry (TG) and TG-infrared (TG-IR) spectroscopy suggested that the ATEPEA FR generated phosphoric or polyphosphoric acid during the combustion process to catalyze the cellulose dehydration in favor of forming char. Cone calorimetry proved that the treated cotton fabrics had lower peak heat release rates and total heat release compared with those of the control cotton fabrics. The X-ray diffraction results indicated that the crystallinity of the treated cotton fibers decreased slightly. And the mechanical properties such as tensile strength, bending length, and crease recovery angle were sustained well. Additionally, the whiteness of the treated cotton fabric was maintained very well because the ATEPEA FR has the self-buffering property, and the solution of the ATEPEA FR is almost neutral. These results suggested that the ATEPEA FR is a highly effective, eco-friendly and durable FR for cotton fabrics.

Fire resistant behaviour of cellulosic textile functionalized with wastage plant bio-molecules: A comparative scientific report

Three different wastage plant based bio-molecules named banana peel powder (Musa acuminata) (BPP), coconut shell (Cocos nucifera) extract (CSE) and pomegranate rind (Punica granatum) extract (PRE) have been explored as fire resistant material on the cellulosic polymer (cotton fabric). To this end, extracts have been applied to the cotton fabric in different concentration at elevated temperature for specific time period. Treated cotton fabric showed 6 (BPP), 8.5 (CSE) and 12 (PRE) times lower vertical burning rate compared to the control cotton fabric. Thermo-gravimetry (TG) curves and the limiting oxygen index (LOI) value revealed that the PRE extract (LOI: 32) treated fabric encompassed more thermal stability compared to the BPP (LOI:26) and the CSE (LOI: 27) treated fabric as it showed higher oxygen index and more weight retention (40%) at higher temperature 450°C. Moreover, the carbonaceous samples remained after the burning of the extracts and the treated fabrics showed structural integration and more carbon content [65.6 (PRE extract) and 76.3% (PRE treated cotton)] compared to the fragile, net like char of the control cotton fabric, having less carbon content (49.8%). Gas Chromatography Mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) of the different extracts (CSE, PRE, BPP) used for the study showed the presence of high molecular weight aromatic phenolic compounds, tannin based compound and the nitrogen containing alkaloids, responsible for fire resistant effect of the different extract treated fabric. Besides fire retardancy, all the treated fabric showed attractive natural colour (measured by colour strength values) and there has been no adverse effect on the tensile strength property of the fabric after the treatment.

The influence of corona treatment and impregnation with colloidal TiO2 nanoparticles on biodegradability of cotton fabric

This study discusses the effect of corona pre-treatment at atmospheric pressure and subsequent loading of colloidal TiO2 nanoparticles on the biodegradation behavior of cotton fabric. Biodegradation performance of the control and finished samples was evaluated by standard soil burial tests in predetermined periods of 3, 9 and 18 days. Color and breaking strength measurements were utilized for assessment of biodegradation progress. Morphological and chemical changes induced by biodegradation were analysed by SEM and FT-IR analyses, respectively. Colorimetric, morphological and chemical changes induced by the biodegradation process were slightly less prominent on corona pre-treated cotton fabric impregnated with TiO2 nanoparticles compared to corona treated and control cotton fabric. Although the breaking strength of all samples significantly decreased after 18 days of soil burial, this decline was the least evident on the sample impregnated with TiO2 nanoparticles. However, taking into account the extent of these differences, the influence of TiO2 nanoparticles on biodegradation rate of cotton fabric, which underwent a combined treatment corona/impregnation with TiO2 nanoparticles, could be considered as insignificant. These results confirm that chemical modification of cotton fabrics with plasma and subsequent loading of TiO2 still maintained sustainability of cellulose fibres.

TiO 2 –SiO 2 Janus particles treated cotton fabric for thermal regulation

Titania–silica (TiO2–SiO2) Janus particles have been explored for their thermal regulation. The thermal regulation property was investigated after applying Janus particles on a cotton substrate. The composites were evaluated for both near infrared (NIR) reflection and heat build-up behavior. TiO2–SiO2 Janus particles treated cotton fabric, showed significantly higher NIR reflection (i.e. 79% at 1000 nm) and better thermal regulation than TiO2 treated cotton and control cotton fabrics. The enhanced properties were attributed to the unique structure of Janus particles, which suggests that these structures can be used as an effective substitute for the widely studied multilayered structures of high and low refractive indices materials.

A green in situ synthesis of silver nanoparticles on cotton fabrics using Aloe vera leaf extraction for durable ultraviolet protection and antibacterial activity

This study presented a simple and environmentally friendly method of in situ synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on cotton fabrics for durable ultraviolet (UV) protection and antibacterial activity using Aloe vera leaf extraction (AVE) as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Cotton fabrics were pretreated in water, and then immersed in AgNO3 and AVE, respectively. Cotton fabrics were characterized by small angle X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis, UV protection, antibacterial activity, and laundering durability. Comparing with the smooth surface of the control cotton fabric, SEM and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX) results showed that there were a considerable number of Ag2O and AgNPs loading on the surface of the pretreated and Ag loaded cotton fabrics. The XRD pattern indicated, respectively, the existence of Ag2O and AgNPs, the structures of which were similar to JCPDS File No.65-3289 and JCPDS File No. 01-071-4613 on the pretreated and Ag loaded cotton fabrics. The pretreated and Ag loaded cotton fabrics showed excellent UV protection, antibacterial activity, and laundering durability, especially the Ag loaded cotton fabric, of which the UV protection factor value and transmission of UVA were 148 and 1.11%, respectively, after 20 washing cycles, and the clear zone width was more than 4 mm against E. coli or S. aureus. AgNPs facilitated the improvement of the thermal property of the cotton fabrics. Thus this facile in situ reduction of AgNPs with AVE may bring a promising and green strategy to produce functional textiles.

Eco-friendly salt-free reactive dyeing of cotton (muslin) fabric after cationization with amino acid from soya

Bleached cotton fabric was chemically modified (cationized)with natural amino acids extract obtained by acid hydrolysis (6N HCL) from soya bean seed waste, adding MgCl2 as an acid donor in the pad-dry-calendaring process to investigate the changes in textile properties and its dyeability with reactive dye in both a conventional alkaline dye bath and salt-free acidic dye bath. This modified cotton incorporates new functional groups producing [Formula: see text] in acid bath to obtain cationized cotton, rendering it to eco-friendly salt-free reactive dyeing at acceptable shade depth without much sacrifice of other textile-related properties. Bi-functional high exhaustion-type reactive dye shows better dye uptake than mono-functional cold brand as well as hot brand reactive dye. Moreover, the application of a specific dye fixing agent further improves surface color depth ( K/ S) of the soya-modified cotton fabric. The study of surface morphology of said chemically modified cotton substrate indicates a higher degree of surface deposition, that is, more anchorage of soya extracted amino acids on cotton fabric. Chemical anchorage as per the reaction scheme postulated for such modifications is verified with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Finally, it is revealed that cotton treated with soya extract provides a new route of eco-friendly salt-free reactive dyeing with high exhaustion-type reactive dyes showing much higher dye uptake than the control cotton fabric.

Effect of Cellulose Coating on Properties of Cotton Fabric

Cellulose solution was used for coating and it was prepared by dissolving pulp cellulose in Urea-Thiourea-NaOH-Water solvent system. Reactive Red 240 dye was used for dyeing the coated as well as control cotton fabric. The effect of cellulose coating on the dyeing properties of cotton fabric was studied by measuring K/S values of the coated substrate at various concentrations of cellulose and dye. K/S value decreased after coating cellulose on the surface of cotton fabric. The lightness of cotton fabric increased after cellulose coating. SEM micrographs revealed that coated cellulose was attached to cotton fibers. Tensile strength increased after cellulose coating.

Water‐soluble cationic chitosan derivative to improve pigment‐based inkjet printing and antibacterial properties for cellulose substrates

AbstractThe water‐soluble N‐(2‐hydroxy)propyl‐3‐trimethylammonium chitosan chloride (HTCC) was prepared by chitosan and glycidyl trimethyl ammonium chloride. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopic analysis spectrum confirmed that glycidyl trimethyl ammonium chloride was grafted to the amino groups of chitosan via substitution reaction (Zhao et al., Int J Pharm 2010, 393, 268; Montazer and Afjeh, J Appl Polym Sci 2007, 103, 178). The obtained chitosan derivative was used to modify cotton fabrics for improving aqueous pigment‐based inkjet printing and antibacterial properties. Scanning electron microscope images showed that HTCC was adhered onto the cotton fabrics surface and formed film structure. The K/S value on printed cotton substrates increased from 3.20 to 4.87, which indicated that higher color yield was achieved in this way. Modified samples performed better crocking fastness and laundering fastness than the control cotton fabrics. The line definition of modified cotton fabrics respectively, improved 16.5% and 12.6% in the warp and weft direction as the specified line width was 0.5 × 103 μm. Samples also showed good antibacterial potential, the inhibitory rate for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were both more than 95% when the concentration of HTCC used in the pretreatment solution was 0.8%. The antibacterial effect was found to be durable for 20 laundering cycles. However, the hand feeling of modified cotton fabrics presented a slight decrease. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012