Application of Eco-friendly Antimicrobial Finish Butea monosperma Leaves on Fabric Properties of Polyester and Cotton/Polyester

Butea monosperma Leaves and Fabric Properties

Abstract

The study was aimed to check the effect of eco-friendly antimicrobial finish on 100% polyester
and 50/50 cotton/polyester woven fabrics. The leaves extract of Butea monosperma was used as an eco-
friendly antimicrobial finish. The fabric was first desized, scoured, bleached and washed then antimicrobial
finish was applied by using pad dry cure method. The aesthetic, comfort and mechanical fabrics properties
were checked before and after applying antimicrobial finish. Under aesthetic property stiffness and
smoothness appearance was checked, under comfort related property absorbency and air permeability was
checked and under mechanical property tear and tensile strength was checked. The antimicrobial finish
was checked by using ASTEM E2149 Shake Flask method. The AATCC and ISO standard testing methods
were used for checking fabric properties. One way ANOVA statistical test was applied for analysis of
results. Antimicrobial finish has increased aesthetic (stiffness, smoothness appearance), comfort (absorbency,
air permeability) and mechanical (tensile and tear strengths) properties of polyester and cotton/polyester
fabrics. The antimicrobial finish was effective on both 100% polyester and 50/50 cotton/polyester fabrics
up to 25 washes. This study is beneficial to medical industry, paramedical staff, sports wears, home
furnishing as well as common people.