Dyeing of curcumin and durable press finishing with citric acid on cotton fabric using one step process

Abstract

Cotton is an affordable and durable option for clothing. However, cotton garments tend to wrinkle easily. Therefore, cotton fabrics were studied to improve their wrinkle resistance properties. In this work, curcumin was mixed in an aqueous solution of citric acid and its catalyst and applied to cotton fabric using pad-dry-cure process for both the dyeing and finishing properties. Aloe vera extract and chitosan were used to compare for the reaction of their functional groups with carboxyl groups of citric acid on cotton fabrics. The mixture of curcumin and citric acid solution showed anti-wrinkle properties on the treated cotton. There were no functional groups of curcumin detected on the FTIR spectrum of the fabric. Furthermore, acetyl group of chitosan and methyl in acetyl group of aloe vera extract were found on the spectra of the fabrics treated with each compound.  It was also found that the treated fabric showed good UV protection properties and good antibacterial gram-positive properties. This fabric has physical potential to be used for healthcare, hygiene and medical textile products.