DefinePK

Abstract

Demand for natural sources in textile processing has increased due to environmental concerns among consumers and manufacturers. In this study, the effectiveness of chitosan and sodium nitrite treatment on knitted cotton fabric dyed with Gluta Aptera was investigated. The fabrics were brought to a series of wet treatments before dyed, and the colour fastness to light, colour fastness to washing, colour fastness to perspiration and their stiffness were then tested. The results were analysed to determine the most effective treatment could be applied in improving the fastness properties of the fabric. Overall results shown that chitosan-sodium nitrite treated fabric has better performance than the fabric treated with chitosan alone. It was also shown that the colour fastness of the fabric has been improved without affecting the appearance (stiffness) of the structure.