Utilization of chitosan citrate as crease-resistant and antimicrobial finishing agent for cotton fabric

Abstract

Chitosan citrate has been evaluated as non-formaldehyde durable press finish to produce wrinkle-resistance and antimicrobial properties for cotton fabrics. The carboxylic groups in the chitosan citrate structure were used as active sites for its fixation onto cotton fabrics. The fixation of the chitosan citrate on the cotton fabric was done by the padding of chitosan citrate solution onto cotton fabrics followed by dry-cure process. The factors affecting the fixation processes were systematically studied. The antimicrobial activity and the performance properties of the treated fabric s, including tensile strength, wrinkle recovery, wash fastness and whiteness index, were evaluated. The finished fabric shows adequate wrinkle resistance, sufficient whiteness, high tensile strength and more reduction rate of bacteria as compared to untreated cotton fabric.