Investigating the Ability to Transfer Antimicrobial Properties of Neem Seed Oil to Cotton Knitted Fabrics

Abstract

This research, investigates the ability to transfer antimicrobial properties of Neem (Azadirachta indica) to cotton single jersey knitted fabrics. The effectiveness of two existing application methods, direct application (pad-dry-cure) and application of microencapsulated Neem oil using pad-dry and dip-dry methods were studied. Commercially available Neem seed oil was confirmed to have acceptable level of thermal and light stability through FTIR spectroscopy. (Same tests were repeated for Neemazal-F product; however, the outcomes were less favourable.) Agar diffusion test (BS EN ISO 20645:2004) carried out on specimens also confirmed the antimicrobial efficacy of the pure oil and the treated fabrics against Staphylococcus aureus. However, the fabrics treated with microencapsulated Neem seed oil showed better transfer efficiency, wash fastness properties and aesthetic properties.