Chitosan-based polymeric dye for in-situ multifunctional dyeing of cotton fabric

In the present work, polymeric dye was developed in situ on cotton fabric using chitosan and ethyl anthranilate. The dyed cotton was characterized using analytical techniques, and the developed colour and functionalities were assessed. Various chitosan add-on levels (0.68%, 1.47%, 2.45%, and 4.29%) were applied to the cellulosic substrate through a pad-dry-cure process for producing the chitosan-bound cellulosic fabric. Diazotized ethyl anthranilate (DEA) was used to form a covalent bond with the chitosan-bound fabric. The resulting product was assessed for colouration, mechanical properties and functional properties. The dyed cotton showed a light orange shade with satisfactory fastness ratings. Mosquito repellency of high order (up to 100%) with excellent durability was achieved. Moreover, the dyed fabric showed "good" UPF ratings and excellent antibacterial activity (> 76%) against E. coli bacteria. Azoic dyeing using chitosan polymer and ethyl anthranilate was explored for mosquito-repellent cum multifunctional finishing of cotton.