Design of experiments for the optimization and statistical analysis of Berberine finishing of polyamide substrates

Design of experiments concept was successfully applied for the determination of optimum Berberine finishing pH, temperature, concentration and time to produce Berberine treated polyamide substrates. Polyamide was treated with Berberine to impart antimicrobial functions as Berberine is a natural antimicrobial agent. The effects of process conditions on the finishing of Berberine were studied in detail using 24 central composite design. Experimental results were thoroughly analyzed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) statistical concepts. Appropriate predictable empirical models were developed incorporating interaction effects of all variables and then optimized. The significance of the mathematical model developed was ascertained using Microsoft Excel regression (solver) analysis module. The theoretical optimum conditions for maximum exhaustion were found to be pH 10.78, temperature 85 °C, concentration 0.7274% omf and time 84.96 min for Berberine. However, at the optimum conditions, maximum % exhaustion of 97.32% for Berberine was achieved experimentally.