Original Articles
Abeer A. A. Salama, Rehab M. K
Abstract
In the last few decades, there is a rising interest in personal health and hygiene textiles with prote ctive properties are becoming an increasingly desirable aim of texti le researchers, manufactures, and consumers. In thi s research modified cotton fabric surface using chitosan and/o r alginate biopolymers, as well as titanium dioxide , zinc oxide, and their mixtures to impart vital and protective c haracteristics. The coated cotton fabrics were unde rgoing durability evaluation to repeated washing of antiba cterial properties against Escherichia coli (E. col i) (Gram negative bacterium) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. a ureus) (Gram positive bacterium) and the results re vealed that excellent reduction% sustained up 30 washes. As wel l as very good and excellent UV protection category were maintained even after 30 washes. Healing and anti-i nflammatory properties showed sustainability up to 10 washes but decreased after 30 washes. Furthermore, applica tion of post-dyeing with reactive dye on the coated fabrics was done and the pre-treatment step to assess their dye -ability; showed a significant effect on the color strength (K/S) values. Hence, it could be proposed that the coated cotton fabrics maintained their protective propert ies as well as suitable for color coloration, which in turn make t hese finished and dyed cotton fabrics available for different textile and apparel applications.