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ThesisItem Open Access Optimization and application of essential oils based microcapsules on cotton and silk fabrics for aromatherapeutic textiles(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2010-11) Agrawal, Mansi; Goel, AlkaThe optimized processes for each combination of gum and oil for both the processes were then prepared for application on both cotton (scoured) and silk (degummed) fabrics. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to ensure microcapsules’ presence in the fabrics. These finished and control fabrics were tested for various physical properties. Results showed that finished fabrics had more thickness than the control fabric and complex coacervation technique increased the thickness as compared to the fabrics finished with microcapsules of simple coacervation technique. It was observed that crease recovery angle increased in simple coacervation technique but slightly decreased for complex coacervation technique treated samples. Results indicate decrease in the tensile strength in both finished fabrics as compared to control samples. In general, from the results it was observed that elongation of all the finished fabrics slightly decreased as compared to the control fabrics. Abrasion resistance of finished fabrics increased as compared to the control fabrics because of the coating of gum in finished fabrics which acted as a shield. It was observed that no pilling occurred in any of the finished samples of both cotton and silk fabrics. The drape coefficient of finished fabrics increased as compared to the control fabrics. Complex coacervated fabrics had more drape coefficient than simple coacervated fabrics. Finished fabrics were observed to have more thermal resistance as compared to the control fabrics. No particular difference was observed for thermal conductivity of simple and complex coacervated fabrics. To test the durability of the aromatic finish various tests like wash fastness, crock fastness, perspiration fastness and fastness to sunlight were applied on the finished fabric samples. The amount of aroma increased or decreased was then assessed. It was found that microcapsules having mint oil gave maximum durability. In order to analyse the effect of therapeutic aromas on the ultimate consumers, an intervention was designed and two interview schedules were constructed and conducted called pre-test and post-test. Pre-test was conducted on the sample group and then finished fabrics were given to selected sample of persons for a definite time period i.e. 15 days. Then post-test was conducted and statistical analysis was done by comparing the results of both pre and post tests. It was evident from the results that a significant improvement in the sufferance from diseases was notes only in women after the 15 day intervention with aromatic fabric. It was observed that a slight decrease in stress level occurs from the aroma of the aromatic textile product. Respondents did not suffer from any kind of side effects from the use of finished fabric. It was observed that all the respondents wanted the fragrance of their products to last for longer duration than it usually does. Almost all the respondents said that they would prefer to buy the aromatic textile product if it is available in the market. Very few of the respondents knew about existing aromatic textile products in the market. The results indicated that females liked the intensity of fragrance on aromatherapic fabric more in comparison to males. The pleasantness of the fragrance of the finished fabric was mostly rated good by the respondents. Results showed that respondents were willing to pay upto 30 percent more the cost of the product. This indicated that aromatic fabric was acceptable. People of Uttarakhand will be benifited as because of this study will ensure increased cultivation of aromatic plants, enhanced rate of essential oil extraction and similar fields associated with this will be rewarded.