Application of reactive cyclodextrin poly butyl acrylate preformed polymers containing nano-ZnO to cotton fabrics and their impact on fabric performance

Synthesis of reactive preformed polymers (PFP) and their application to cotton fabrics along with epichlorohydrin and/or ZnO nanoparticles are carried out as per the conventional pad-dry-cure method. PFP refers to monochlorotrazinyl beta-cycloclextrin grafted with Butyl acrylate. The impact of grafting of this reactive preformed polymer on performance of cotton fabrics was studied. These grafting of PFP to cotton fabrics in presence of ZnO nanoparticles and /or epichlorohydrin imparts antibacterial activity which withstands 20 times washing while keeping 70% of this activity. These grafted fabrics acquire improved air permeability indicating better breathability and comfortability of garments make thereof. Also reported was the characterization of the grafted fabrics using IR spectral analysis and scanning electron microscopy. A ZnO nanoparticle was also characterized using UV-vis spectrophotometer. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.