Synthesis of castor oil/poly (N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone)/ammonium persulfate hybrids emulsion as textile softeners

Two castor oil / poly (N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) / ammonium persulfate (CAO/PVP/APS) hybrids were synthesized via reaction of castor oil with PVP of molecular weights 40000 and 1300000 Dalton in presence of APS as an initiator. The optimum reaction conditions are: PVP/CAO weight ratio, 15%; PVP concentration, 60%; APS conc., 4% (based on weight of CAO); reaction temperature, 80 degrees C; reaction time, 60 min. The synthesized CAO/PVP/APS hybrids were characterized via FTIR analysis whereas their emulsions particle sizes were determined using TEM analysis. Incorporation of either of the aforementioned hybrids emulsions in the easy care finishing formulations of cotton fabric results in promoting of fabric softness, tensile strength, flexibility, and antibacterial activities of treated fabric along with reducing fabric wettabiliy and resiliency. Inclusion of Ag-NPs in the aforementioned finishing bath significantly improves extent of the antibacterial activities of treated fabric. The treated fabric morphology was examined using SEM as well as EDX analysis.

Automated summary

Two CAO/PVP/APS hybrids were synthesized by reacting castor oil with PVP of different molecular weights in the presence of APS. The synthesized hybrids were characterized by FTIR analysis and their emulsion particle sizes were determined by TEM analysis. Incorporation of these hybrids into cotton fabric finishing formulations improved fabric properties and addition of Ag-NPs further enhanced the antibacterial activities. SEM and EDX analysis were used to examine the fabric morphology after treatment.