Aroma Finishing of Cotton Fabrics by Means of Microencapsulation Techniques

Abstract

Functional textiles are being developed in order to provide fabrics with new properties and added value. They can be obtained either by using new chemical fibers or by incorporating functional agents to conventional fabrics. Microencapsulation is an effective method to protect these functional agents from reactions with moisture, light, and oxygen. If a fabric is treated with microencapsulated functional agents, higher durability of functionality is expected. This article reports the development and testing of two types of microcapsules containing essential oils for application in cotton fabrics. Microcapsules were obtained by complex coacervation using gelatin and arabic gum or by encapsulation in yeast cells in order to increase the durability of fragrances in textiles. Microcapsule characterization, such as particle size and morphology, was carried out for different oils to polymer ratios and hardening agents to polymer ratios. Padding and coating were tested as application methods. The morphology, durability of the fragrance, and laundering properties of the treated fabrics were investigated. The use of an electronic nose to measure the fragrance release from microcapsules was also evaluated. Gelatin—arabic gum microcapsules increased the durability of the fragrance on the treated fabrics and withstood one wash cycle. Fabrics treated with yeast cell microcapsules presented low fragrance intensity before washing. The fragrance was not detectable after laundering, even though the microcapsules could still be observed on the fabric.

Durable fragrance finishing on jute blended home-textiles by microencapsulated aroma oil

“…Thus due to extensive bonding between the components, availability of reactive hydroxyl groups in cellulosic portion is also less [24,25]. An attempt has been made to improve the surface activity of jute component in jute blended fabric by treating with sodium chlorite (NaClO 2 ) for partial delignification.…”

Effect of the shell-forming polymer ratio on the encapsulation of tea tree oil by complex coacervation as a natural biocide

“…In the field of materials, mainly textiles, the most promising applications include insect repellents (Fei et al, 2007;Shirish et al, 2007), dyes (El-Zawahry et al, 2007), antimicrobial agents (Ara et al, 2006), phase change materials (Sánchez et al, 2007;Mondal, 2008;Bendkowska & Wrzosek, 2009), aromas (Miró-Especos et al, 2010), fire retardants (Giraud et al, 2001), polychromic and thermochromic effects (Christie & Bryant, 2005) and substances to produce pleasant sensorial effects to the consumer (Kan et al, 2005).…”

Determination of the shell permeability of microcapsules with a core of oil-based active ingredient

“…One of the many industrial applications of microcapsules is their application to fabric care (Nelson, 2002;Ma et al, 2009;Miro Specos et al, 2010), particularly in respect to the encapsulation of perfumes and fragrances (Jacquemond et al, 2009;Rodrigues et al, 2009;Feczko et al, 2010;Sansukcharearnpon et al, 2010). Microcapsules containing a core of perfume can significantly increase the amount of perfume that remains attached to the fabric after a washing cycle, and so less perfume is required within the formulation in order to offer the same pleasant scent, and additionally the release can be triggered by a mechanical force generated by, for example, rubbing .…”