Abstract
Incorporating Mentha piperita essential oils into denim fabrics was investigated using three distinct microencapsulation techniques: simple coacervation, interfacial polymerization, and microfluidics. The encapsulated essential oils were applied to 3/1Z, 100% cotton denim through novel finishing, coating, and coating-washing methodologies. A comprehensive evaluation of the performance characteristics of the fabric, including tensile strength, abrasion resistance, dry and wet rub fastness, and color difference, was conducted. Optical Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) meticulously characterized the microcapsules. Initial results demonstrated that the fabric maintained complete antibacterial efficacy up to the first home wash across all encapsulation methods. However, a gradual decline in antibacterial activity was observed in subsequent wash cycles. In conclusion, the microcapsules generated via the microfluidic technique exhibited superior durability, retaining 80% antibacterial activity after five wash cycles. These findings offer valuable insights into the sustainable application of natural antibacterial agents within the functional textile industry.