Polysulfone/Vanillin Microcapsules for Antibacterial and Aromatic Finishing of Fabrics

Microencapsulation technology is being more and more applied in the textile industry because microcapsules can confer additional properties to conventional fabrics. In this context, polysulfone microcapsules containing vanillin were prepared, and their morphology, thermal stability, and antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus were assessed. The microcapsules were fabricated onto 100% cotton fabrics by a coating technique. The resistance of the coating to several washing cycles was studied, and the durability of the aromatic finishing was determined. Capsules were stable in the range between 20 and 100 °C, and they inhibited the growth of the bacteria at 37 °C for, at least, one week. Most of the capsules added to the fabric were flushed away between the first and second washing cycle; however, some capsules were still observed after the fifth washing. Finally, a survey was conducted in order to know how consumers perceived the aroma, before and after several washings. Survey data was statistically analyzed, and a model was built, which allowed the probability of maintained aromatic finishing for specific washing cycles to be predicted. Thus, this work sets the basis for further development of fabrics with antimicrobial activity and pleasant aromatic finishing based on polysulfone/vanillin capsules.