Durable press and antimicrobial finishing of cotton fabrics with a citric acid and chitosan treatment

Citric acid (CA) and chitosan are used as durable press and antimicrobial finishing agents for cotton, and are applied by means of the conventional Dad-dry-cure process. CA is expected to react with hydroxyl groups in cellulose and chitosan or with amino groups in chitosan to form ester crosslinking or an inter-ionic attraction. Durable press appearance ratings of 3.5-4 are imparted with CA and chitosan treatments. The cotton fabric treated with CA alone shows antimicrobial properties. These and durable press performance are retained through twenty washing and tumble drying cycles. Strength retention improves more with CA and chitosan than with CA alone.