Micro-encapsulation and nano-encapsulation of denim fabrics with herbal extracts

Abstract

The present study focuses on the micro-encapsulation and nano-encapsulation to the 100 % cotton denim fabric using three herbal extracts of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Ricinus<span style="mso-bidi-font-style:italic"> communis, Senna auriculata </span></i>and <i>Euphorbia hirta </i>to impart their antimicrobial efficiency by finishing the methanol extracts of these herbs on the denim fabric. The combinations of the herbal extract mix <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Ricinus<span style="mso-bidi-font-style:italic"> communis </span></i>+<i> Senna auriculata </i>+ <i>Euphorbia hirta</i> (1:3:2) and the conditions used as per the AATCC 147 (20kgf/cm²pressure and 20m/min rpm speed) for direct application to denim using exhaustion method give the best results in terms of antimicrobial efficiency. To enhance the durability of the finished fabric, micro-encapsulation and nano-encapsulation of the herbal extracts are performed and the results show good resistance for microbes even after 30 industrial washes against the test bacterial strains.