Valorization of Henna and Catechu Natural Dye in Preparation of Mosquito-Repellent Multifunctional Cotton

Nowadays, the use of protective products against mosquitoes is growing. The exploration of efficient protective textiles, which can be extensively utilized to save an individual from bacteria, mosquitoes, and UV rays, is highly desired in textile industries. The demand for natural dyed textile substrates is gradually growing due to the increased public awareness about sustainable textiles. Catechu and henna are well-known for their pharmaceutical importance among all-natural dyes. The present study reports the functionalization of cellulosic fiber (cotton) through the azoic dyeing method. To prepare the azoic dyes, diazotized 4-amino N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide was coupled with the extracts of catechu and henna. The coloration and functional properties (mosquito repellency, antibacterial, and UV protection) of dyed cotton were analyzed. FTIR analysis of azo dyes and TGA of in-situ dyed fabrics were also performed. The dyed fabrics were obtained with 100% mosquito-repellency, more than 87% antibacterial activity, and good to excellent UV protection. The wash-durable, functional effects offered by dyed textile substrates were also confirmed.