Double-Encapsulated Microcapsules for the Adsorption to Cotton Fabrics

Double-encapsulated microcapsules (DEMs) were prepared and effectively adsorbed onto the cotton fabric surfaces during impregnation without crosslinking agents to obtain functional cotton fabrics. Specifically, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) showed two different molecules (lavender essence and dye indigo) were encapsulated into the microcapsules simultaneously, with loading capacity of 10% and 9.73%, respectively. The spherical shape of DEMs was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) and average particle sizes were about 617 nm, as measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS). According to the results of IR and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) experiments, DEMs was combined with cotton fabrics by hydrogen bond. The superior thermal stability of microcapsules and functional cotton fabrics was also demonstrated. The adsorption behavior and mechanism of microparticles onto cotton fabrics were further examined by chemical property characterization in combination with adsorption kinetic model. The kinetic adsorption process included three stages: fast adsorption, slow adsorption rate, and adsorption equilibrium. Finally, the good color fastness of the functional cotton fabrics was demonstrated by the tests of rubbing and accelerated laundering. Herein, this study will be beneficial to the development of functional cotton fabrics-based materials.