EFFECT OF CHITOSAN ON COMFORT AND FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF SYNTHETIC DYED COTTON FABRIC

Abstract

Cotton is one of the fabrics available in the market that is accepted all over the globe for apparel purpose because of its versatility and comfort properties. Treating cotton with cationizing agents like chitosan in volume by volume concentration has caused modification of fabric surface characteristics and the treatment has enhanced the physical and functional properties of the treated fabric. Treated fabrics are dyed in 2% blue reactive dye. Improved dye uptake and fastness properties to washing, crocking (dry and wet) and perspiration (alkaline and acidic) compared to control sample. Other properties like fabric wicking, air permeability, water repellency has decreased than control. Further decrease in effluent load was observed in terms of BOD and COD. In addition to other properties, treated fabric has showed antimicrobial activity against E.coli, S. aureus and A.niger. Therefore, chitosan application on cotton fibre is a possible approach to get a fabric with enhanced properties to utilise for apparel use.