Investigating the effect of antimicrobial treatment on silk fabric by herbal extract

ABSTRACT

In this study eco-friendly antimicrobial finish was developed by Azadirachata indica, Butea monosperma and Litchi chinensis and then applied on 100% silk fabric. The effectiveness of antimicrobial finish was checked up to 25 washes. The antimicrobial finish was extracted from leaves of these plants and applied on silk fabric by using pad dry cure method. It is true experimental study with pre-test and post-test control group design. FTIR and SEM tests were used to observe the presence of antimicrobial finish on silk fabric. The antimicrobial finish was fixed on silk fabric by the use of poly urethane binder. The antimicrobial activity of treated and untreated fabric and durability to successive washes were assessed by using ASTEM E2149 shake flask method. The treated fabric with A. indica and B.monosperme showed 100% reduction in microorganism presence while L. chinensis revealed 60% reduction against microorganisms. The antimicrobial finish showed 100% reduction after successive laundring up to 25 washes. This fabric is beneficial for home furnishing, sportswear and footwear industry as well as in apparel sector such as in formal wear and making matching face mask against COVID-19 pandemic.