BOOSTING COTTON COMFORT: ECO-FRIENDLY ANTIMICROBIAL FINISHES FROM PLANT SOURCES

Cotton, as a natural and widely used textile fiber, is valued for its softness, breathability, and comfort. However, its cellulosic nature, high surface area, and moisture retention capabilities make it highly susceptible to microbial growth. This can lead to undesirable effects such as foul odors, skin irritation, reduced fabric durability, and potential health risks. The need to enhance cotton fabric with antimicrobial properties—while maintaining comfort and sustainability—has become increasingly significant in various applications, especially in medical, sports, and daily wear textiles. The present study was conducted to improve the hygiene and comfort properties of 100% cotton fabric through the application of a sustainable, plant-based antimicrobial finish. The antimicrobial agents were extracted from the leaves of Azadirachta indica (neem), Butea monosperma (palash) , and Litchi chinensis (lychee). These extracts were applied to the fabric using the pad-dry-cure method, with a polyurethane binder used to fix the finish. A completely randomized design (CRD) was employed to ensure objective evaluation. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using the ASTM E2149 shake flask method, while FTIR and SEM analyses were used to investigate chemical interactions and surface morphology. Fabric performance was evaluated in terms of bacterial resistance, air permeability, absorbency, softness, and wash durability according to AATCC and ISO standard testing methods. The treated fabric showed an 89% reduction in microbial growth, with significant improvements in breathability, softness, and wearer comfort. The antimicrobial effect remained effective for up to 25 laundering cycles, demonstrating good durability. This eco-friendly and sustainable approach provides a viable alternative to synthetic chemical treatments. However, limitations include variability in natural extract potency and the need for further optimization to suit industrial-scale production. Despite these challenges, the findings underscore the promising potential of plant-based antimicrobial finishes in creating safe, comfortable, and environmentally responsible textile products suitable for medical, activewear, home furnishings, and everyday use.