Application of natural oil on light weight denim garment and analysis of its multi-functional performances

Abstract

This study is aimed at imparting functional finishes to denim garments using natural oils in order to enhance the value of end product. The fabrics selected for the study to prepare the denim garments are 100% cotton, cotton /polyester, 100 % tencel and tencel /polyester blended fabrics. All the four fabrics, constructed with 2/1 right hand twill, are subjected to de-sizing and enzyme washing. The enzyme washed garments are subsequently treated with the combination of two different natural oils (sweet citrus and rose oils) to induce fragrance. The garments are tested for the efficacy of few functional properties like anti-microbial, anti-fungal and UV protection. Finishing has been carried out using exhaustion method and the treated garments are evaluated using AATCC standards. The results show that cotton and cotton/polyester garments have very good sense of functional properties as compared to tencel and tencel/polyester garments.