Chitosan and monochlorotriazinyl-β-cyclodextrin finishes improve antistatic properties of cotton/polyester blend and polyester fabrics

Permanent fixation of chitosan or monochlorotriazinyl-β-cyclodextrin (MCT-β-CD) onto cotton/polyester and polyester fabrics was carried out and all parameters controlling the efficiency of both fixation reactions were studied. The amounts of MCT-β-CD or chitosan fixed onto the treated fabrics were estimated in terms of percent nitrogen content. Results obtained reveal that finishing the said fabrics with either MCT-β-CD or chitosan generally improves the water uptake capacity of the finished fabrics without harmful effect on their physico-mechanical properties. The water uptake capacities of MCT-β-CD finished fabrics were found to be higher than the corresponding values recorded for chitosan finished fabrics. The general improvement in water uptake of the finished fabrics is attributed to the hydroxyl groups introduced to the fabric structure through finishing with either MCT-β-CD or chitosan, which increase the fabric's ability to absorb more water and moisture from air. The presence of more water in such fabrics increases their electrical conductivity and thus improving their antistatic properties.