Optimization and application of microcapsules for meditech and agrotech textiles
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Date
2022-02
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G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand)
Abstract
Under microencapsulation process, tiny particles or droplets are surrounded by a coating to give small capsules, which can impart functional properties. Microencapsulation finish can be applied to textiles to incorporate desirable properties as per their end-use. Meditech textiles are used for medical applications including healthcare and protective textiles. Antimicrobial property is one of the desirable property in healthcare textiles. Agrotech is the application of textile material in agriculture field i.e. Jute regulates humidity and allows “natural breathing” thus proved better in maintaining the quality of seed compare to air tight containers. Under the present study five essential oils namely Basil, Acorus, Bottlebrush, Eucalyptus and Neem oil were taken for screening. Three types of gums were procured i.e. Acacia gum, guar gum and Sodium alginate gum. Simple coacervation and complex coacervation technique of phase separation in microencapsulation process were used. Optimization of concentration of gum and essential oil was done for microcapsules formation, where 1:2 ratio of gum acacia with basil oil was found suitable and 1:3 ratio was found suitable for acacia gum with neem oil. Optimization of temperature was done at varied temperatures i.e.350C,400C,450C,500C and 550C. Most appropriate temperature noted for microcapsules formation was 400 C. Then, for microencapsulation various pH conditions were checked i.e. acidic, alkaline and neutral. Acidic pH was found most suitable compared to other conditions. All the precipitates, containing microcapsules were analyzed under Digivision microscope and on the basis of size, shape and quantity of microcapsules formed. Two oils and one gum was finalized where basil oil with gum Acacia for medical textiles and neem oil with gum acacia for agrotech applications. After optimization of recipe, the microencapsulated finish was applied on cotton and jute fabrics .Then, Scanning Electron Microscopy was done to varify the presence of microcapsules in both treated cotton and treated jute fabric. Durability of the finish was assessed using rubbing fastness, perspiration fastness, light fastness and wash fastness test. These tests envisaged the increase or decrease in the amount of aroma after applications. Weighted mean score was applied for all the scores of treated fabrics. Durability of microcapsules formed by using simple coacervation technique were found better as compared to complex coacervation technique. Physical properties of control and treated (microencapsulated) fabrics were assessed i.e. cotton and jute. Fabric count was found same for both the control and treated fabrics. Fabric weight/ meter2, bending length (in warp and weft), drape coefficient, thickness, abrasion resistance of both the treated cotton and treated jute fabrics were increased which assure the application of microcapsules in both the fabrics. Microencapsulation finish resulted in no pilling for both the control and treated cotton, as well as jute fabrics. It was found that crease recovery angle, elongation decreased in both the treated fabrics of cotton and jute. It was found that air permeability (both in single as well as double layer) decreased in treated cotton. It was noted that bursting strength, tensile strength of both cotton and jute fabrics increased after finish application. Tearing strength of both the treated cotton and treated jute fabrics decreased in both warp and weft directions. Qualitative assessment of antibacterial activity revealed that both the treated cotton and treated jute fabrics showed good zone of inhibition at 60 μl against S. aureus whereas treated cotton fabric also showed zone of inhibition towards gram negative bacteria E. coli. Quantitative assessment of antibacterial activity revealed reduction in CFU of bacteria on treated cotton and treated jute were found more, compare to control fabrics. Storage test was conducted to check the efficacy of jute bags prepared as agrotech product. Jute bag treated with Neem oil was found effective against pests. Highest germination was found for seeds stored in treated bag. Cotton fabric given microencapsulation finish using basil oil was used for development of meditech. Masks treated with Ocimum basilicum were found effective against airborne infections. Pre and post awareness about mask was judged on the basis of responses obtained from hundred respondents. The prepared mask were found to have good protection properties against bacteria (S. aureus). Overall, developed masks were well accepted by the respondents.