This study is focused on optimizing fluorochemical urethane finish concentration for treatment of 100% cotton fabric. Fluorochemical urethane (FU) is a newer innovation with a shorter fluorocarbon chain (C4), is free from perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), and thus is a safer alternative to older C6- or C8-based fluorocarbons. The finish concentration was optimized based on the liquid repellency (water and oil repellency) and its influence on selected physical properties of the fabric. In addition, the laundering durability of the repellency effect was studied as well. The results indicate that a 80 g/L concentration of fluorochemical urethane was the optimal finish concentration for 100% cotton woven fabric based on desired liquid repellency and physical properties of the fabric.

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The efficacy of aroma-therapeutic textiles was quantified by gauging the psychophysiological responses of twenty female subjects exposed to treated as well as untreated textile specimens. In congruence with previous studies, statistical analysis of the psychophysiological responses showed stress relief in subjects after exposure to the essential oils. Aroma-therapeutic textiles in this study were developed by finishing 100% cotton fabric with β-cyclodextrin and one of two essential oils using the sol-gel method. The comparative SEM analysis of treated versus untreated textiles revealed the presence of treatment materials on the surface of the cotton fabric.

Integrative medicine is a rapidly growing specialty field of medical care that emphasizes the amalgamation of complementary therapies and conventional medicine. Aromatherapy, one of the complementary therapies, is a centuries-old tradition, used in many cultures and societies as an alternative to, or in conjunction with, conventional medicine. However, there is very little understanding of its therapeutic benefits in the scientific realm related to the correct dosage of essential oils, their delivery mechanism and their efficacy on human physiology in general. We reviewed studies published between 2011–2021 focused on aromatherapy and textiles, and explore “textile” materials as a possible carrier for essential oils in this paper. Due to their proximity to the biggest organ of the human body, textiles can potentially serve as a good delivery system for the therapeutic benefit of essential oils. After this rigorous review, we found gaps in the field. Therefore, we propose cross-disciplinary synergies for future research to fully understand the therapeutic efficacy of essential oils.