Dyeing and Antimicrobial Properties of Cellulose and Nylon Fabrics Treated with Artemisia Extracts

Abstract

We examined dyeing properties using cotton, Tencel, general nylon 66 and hollow nylon 66 treated with aqueous and ethanol extracts without mordant. The antimicrobial properties of fabrics treated with Artemisia extracts against gram positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and gram negative Klebsiella pneumonia (K. pneumonia) were also examined. The dying solution concentrations were determined from a calibration curve of the concentration and absorbance of Artemisia extracts. FTIR spectra confirmed that antimicrobial components and colorants (such as 1,8-cineol, thujone, caffeoylquinic acid and chlorophyll) were more present in ethanol extract than in aqueous extract. Nylons had higher a* and b*, and lower L* values than cellulose fabrics dyed with aqueous solutions of Artemisia extracts; however, the dyed nylon fabrics were brown. Fabrics dyed with ethanol-extract added solutions were greener and had higher antimicrobial properties than those dyed with aqueous solutions; however, they faded and lost their antimicrobial properties after laundering. Fabrics regained their antimicrobial properties (especially against S. aureus) by the spraying of Artemisia ethanol extract; therefore, the application of Artemisia ethanol extract onto underwear is expected to relieve atopic dermatitis.