Multifunctional properties of cotton fabric treated with chitosan and carboxymethyl chitosan

A water soluble carboxymethyl derivative of chitosan was prepared with a view to develop a multifunctional finish on cotton. Results show that treated cotton has better dyeability with direct and reactive dyes. Treatment with modified chitosan makes it possible to dye cotton in bright shades with cationic dyes having high wash fastness. Treated samples showed good antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus at 0.1% concentration as well as improved wrinkle recovery. The effect was found to be durable for five laundering cycles.