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.
Primary Language | English |
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Subjects | Wearable Materials |
Journal Section | Articles |
Authors | |
Publication Date | December 31, 2019 |
Submission Date | February 4, 2019 |
Acceptance Date | November 26, 2019 |
Published in Issue | Year 2019 Volume: 29 Issue: 4 |