The growing demand for innovative routes to develop functional
textiles initiated the necessity of new efficient functional molecules.
Dyes can provide durable functional protection to textiles due to
their ability to generate strong dye–fiber interaction. New
dyes to improve a dyed substrate’s quality and aesthetic appearance
are in huge demand. This research aims to prepare a mosquito-repellent
and UV-protective acrylic fabric using a novel cationic (basic) dye.
The cationic dye was synthesized and thoroughly characterized with
the help of FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and CHN analysis.
The dye was further used for the dyeing of the acrylic fabric by using
an infrared dyeing machine. To analyze the suitability of dyed fabrics
for daily use, washing, rubbing, and light fastness of dyed fabrics
were determined. The amount of dye (%) taken up by the acrylic fabric
(exhaustion %) was determined, and more than 72% of exhaustion was
obtained. The fixation (%) of the dye on acrylic fabrics was also
quantified, and more than 80% fixation was obtained. The coloration
properties of the dyed fabrics (L*, a*, b*, and K/S) were examined. The dyed fabrics showed a K/S of more than 3. The mosquito-repellent action provided
by the dyed fabrics was also analyzed, and 100% repellency was obtained.
The dyed fabrics provided an excellent UV-protective property. The
multifunctional properties of dyed fabrics were retained significantly
even after laundering treatments. The dyed fabrics were characterized
using X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. A reduction
in crystalline peak intensity after dyeing was obtained. The dyed
and undyed fabrics were also tested for their tensile strength.