Cationized Wool for Improving the Dyeability and Antimicrobial Activity

Glycidyl triethyl ammonium chloride (GTEAC) was used to chemically modify the primary amine groups (-NH₂) in wool fabrics to acquire new properties. The properties of treated wool fabrics were studied such as wettability, whiteness, nitrogen content, dyeability, fastness and antimicrobial properties. Modified cationic wool fabrics enhanced hydrophilicity, dyeing properties and biocidal activity. The treatment led to improvement in dyeability, fastness, wettability, whiteness and antimicrobial activity. Dyeing was performed with natural dye obtained from Tumeric at 85°C. Curcumin is an active ingredient in turmeric (Curcuma longa L.). Curcumin, a common natural dye used for fabrics and food colorations, was used as an antimicrobial finish due to its bactericidal properties on dyed textiles. A common dyeing process could provide wool fabrics with color as well as antimicrobial properties. The antimicrobial activity of wool fabrics treated with (GTEAC) and dyed with curcumin was studied. The durability of antimicrobial activity of curcumin dyed wool fabrics to laundering was also examined.