Journal of Textile Research ›› 2025, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (12): 171-180.doi: 10.13475/j.fzxb.20250400501

• Dyeing and Finishing Engineering • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Preparation and properties of chitosan/alginate-treated flame retardant and antibacterial cotton fabrics

HOU Zhiwen, REN Zeping, WANG Xiaoning, ZHANG Tianjiao()   

  1. School of Materials Design and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, Beijing 100029, China
  • Received:2025-04-02 Revised:2025-09-22 Online:2025-12-15 Published:2026-02-06
  • Contact: ZHANG Tianjiao E-mail:clyztj@bift.edu.cn

RichHTML

5

PDF (PC)

13

Abstract:

Objective Cotton fabrics, despite their comfort and versatility, inherently suffer from rapid bacterial proliferation, leading to unpleasant odor, discoloration, and potential health risks, especially in close-to-skin applications. Simultaneously, their inherent high flammability poses significant safety concerns, limiting wider adoption in protective clothing and furnishings. To address these widespread issues, this research aimed to achieve a dual-functional antimicrobial and flame-retardant finishing using natural bio-polymers. The approach leverages the synergistic effect of carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) and oxidized sodium alginate (OSA) through esterification and Schiff base reactions to graft these biopolymers onto the cotton matrix.

Method Carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) was used to finish cotton fabrics via a pad-dry-cure process to impart antimicrobial properties. Oxidized sodium alginate (OSA) was subsequently grafted onto the CMC-finished fabrics through Schiff base reaction to confer flame retardancy. The influence of hydrochloric acid concentration and temperature during the antimicrobial finishing process, and the OSA concentration and temperature during the flame-retardant finishing process were evaluated. The orthogonal experimental design was employed to optimize finishing parameters by assessing the primary factors governing the antibacterial and flame-retardant performance of the finished cotton textiles. This systematic approach effectively identified optimal treatment conditions, minimizing experimental runs. The treated cotton fabrics were characterized using various analytical techniques. SEM was utilized for surface morphology and deposition confirmation. A fabric flame retardancy tester evaluated the flame-retardant effect, while thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) analyzed the thermal decomposition behavior and char formation. Mechanical properties (bending rigidity, bursting strength) and air permeability were assessed for comfort and durability.

Results Optimal antimicrobial treatment was achieved with a hydrochloric acid concentration of 0.3 mol/L at 70 ℃. Flame-retardant performance was maximized using 1% OSA at 80 ℃. Under these optimized conditions, the treated cotton fabrics demonstrated an antibacterial efficacy exceeding 99% against Escherichia coli. The horizontal burning rate of the treated fabrics was significantly decreased compared to the untreated control, with minimal impact on bursting strength and bending rigidity. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed an elevation in the initial decomposition temperature of the treated fabrics from 260 ℃ to 277 ℃, and an increase in char residue from 6.5% to 14.3%. The orthogonal experiment revealed that the horizontal burning rate of CMC-OSA treated cotton fabrics was reduced by nearly 50%, which enhanced the thermal stability of the fabrics to some extent while preserving good softness. However, the breathability of the treated fabrics was somewhat diminished.

Conclusion This study successfully demonstrated a synergistic approach to impart both antimicrobial and flame-retardant functionalities to cotton textiles utilizing the biopolymers CMC and OSA. Esterification and Schiff base reactions facilitated the effective grafting of the biopolymers, resulting in a durable, dual-functional textile. The optimized processes offer a sustainable and efficient strategy for producing multi-functional textiles. While a modest reduction in air permeability and bursting strength were observed in the finished textiles, these properties remained within acceptable performance thresholds. Future research should focus on elucidating the synergistic mechanism of CMC/OSA, further optimizing the process to improve both antimicrobial and flame-retardant performance while addressing the reduction in fabric mechanical properties and air permeability. Durability assessments tailored to specific application scenarios are also warranted to develop environmentally friendly, functionally finished cotton textiles with practical value.

Key words: functional textiles, antibacterial property, flame retardancy, cotton fabric, carboxymethyl chitosan, oxidized sodium alginate, functional finising, finishing agent

CLC Number: 

  • TS195.2

Fig.1

Reaction mechanism of antibacterial and flame-retardant cotton fabric"

Fig.2

SEM images of cotton fabrics finished by CMC with different HCl concentrations at 70 ℃(×1 000). (a) Original cotton fabrics; (b) 0.1 mol/L; (c) 0.2 mol/L; (d) 0.3 mol/L; (e) 0.4 mol/L; (f) 0.5 mol/L; (g) 0.6 mol/L; (h) 0.7 mol/L; (i) 0.8 mol/L; (j) 0.9 mol/L; (k) 1.0 mol/L"

Fig.3

SEM images of cotton fabrics finished by CMC with different HCl concentrations at 90 ℃(×1 000)"

Fig.4

Antibacterial rates of cotton fabrics treated under different reaction conditions"

Fig.5

Bursting strength of cotton fabrics treated under different reaction conditions"

Fig.6

Air permeability of cotton fabrics treated under different reaction conditions"

Fig.7

Bending stiffness of cotton fabrics treated under different reaction conditions. (a) Wale direction bending stiffness; (b) Course direction bending stiffness"

Tab.1

Factor and level table of orthogonal experiment"

试样
编号		 A
盐酸浓度/
(mol·L-1)		 B
阻燃整理
温度/℃		 C
OSA质量
分数/%
1# 0.1 25 1
2# 0.1 50 3
3# 0.1 80 2
4# 0.3 25 3
5# 0.3 50 2
6# 0.3 80 1
7# 0.5 25 2
8# 0.5 50 1
9# 0.5 80 3

Fig.8

SEM images of cotton fabric surfaces treated with different conditions(×1 000)"

Fig.9

Effects of different reaction conditions on antibacterial and flame retardant properties of cotton fabrics.(a) Antibacterial rate; (b) Limiting oxygen index; (c) Horizontal burning rate"

Tab.2

Range analysis on velocity of horizontal flamming"

因素 k1 k2 k3 极差
A 107.9 81.3 87.5 26.6
B 102.6 92.2 81.9 20.7
C 87.5 90.1 99.1 9.0

Fig.10

TG curves of cotton fabrics before and after treatment"

Fig.11

DTG curves of cotton fabrics before and after treatment"

Fig.12

Effects of different reaction conditions on bursting strength of cotton fabrics"

Tab.3

Range analysis of bursting strength"

因素 k1 k2 k3 极差
A 670.4 511.9 390.9 279.5
B 530.2 528.8 514.2 16.0
C 514.7 529.6 528.9 14.9

Fig.13

Effects of different reaction conditions on air permeability of cotton fabrics"

Tab.4

Range analysis of air permeability"

因素 k1 k2 k3 极差
A 232.8 226.4 227.3 6.4
B 235.0 232.3 219.2 15.8
C 222.4 231.3 232.8 10.4

Fig.14

Effects of different reaction conditions on softness of cotton fabrics"

[1] TAHERKHANI A, HASANZADEH M. Durable flame retardant finishing of cotton fabrics with poly(amidoamine) dendrimer using citric acid[J]. Materials Chemistry and Physics, 2018, 219: 425-432.
doi: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2018.08.058
[2] 张慧卿, 巴都木. 棉纤维微观结构的形成过程及对纤维性能的影响[J]. 中国纤检, 2008(6): 52-55.
ZHANG Huiqing, BA Dumu. Formation process of cotton fiber microstructure and its influence on fiber properties[J]. China Fiber Inspection, 2008(6): 52-55.
[3] 农诚. 我国纺织品阻燃指标可行性分析[J]. 黑龙江纺织, 2020(1): 23-25.
NONG Cheng. Feasibility analysis of textile flame retardant index in China[J]. Heilongjiang Textile, 2020(1): 23-25.
[4] WANG H P, GONG X C, MIAO Y L, et al. Preparation and characterization of multilayer films composed of chitosan, sodium alginate and carboxymethyl chitosan-ZnO nanoparticles[J]. Food Chemistry, 2019, 283: 397-403.
doi: S0308-8146(19)30089-5 pmid: 30722890
[5] EL-SHAFEI A M, FOUDA M M G, KNITTEL D, et al. Antibacterial activity of cationically modified cotton fabric with carboxymethyl chitosan[J]. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2008, 110(3): 1289-1296.
doi: 10.1002/app.v110:3
[6] EL SHAFEI A, ABOU-OKEIL A. ZnO/carboxymethyl chitosan bionano-composite to impart antibacterial and UV protection for cotton fabric[J]. Carbohydrate Polymers, 2011, 83(2): 920-925.
doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2010.08.083
[7] 曾春梅. 绿色抗菌织物整理研究[J]. 国际纺织导报, 2007, 35(5): 55-56, 58.
ZENG Chunmei. Research on environmentally-friendly anti-bacterial finishing process[J]. Melliand China, 2007, 35(5): 55-56, 58.
[8] XIAO F L, YUN L G, YANG D Z, et al. Antibacterial action of chitosan and carboxymethylated chitosan[J]. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2001, 79(7): 1324-1335.
doi: 10.1002/(ISSN)1097-4628
[9] 赵江霞. 壳聚糖衍生物的合成及其对棉织物抗菌性能的研究[D]. 青岛: 青岛科技大学, 2006: 3-16.
ZHAO Jiangxia. Synthesis of the chitosan derivation and study of its antibacterial activities on cotton fabrics[D]. Qingdao: Qingdao University of Science & Technology, 2006: 3-16.
[10] 申宏杰, 董朝红, 吕洲, 等. 羧甲基壳聚糖席夫碱的制备及抗菌性能研究[J]. 纤维素科学与技术, 2014, 22(4): 28-33.
SHEN Hongjie, DONG Chaohong, LÜ Zhou, et al. Preparation and antibacterial properties of carboxymethyl chitosan schiff base[J]. Journal of Cellulose Science and Technology, 2014, 22(4): 28-33.
[11] XU Q B, KE X T, SHEN L W, et al. Surface modification by carboxymethy chitosan via pad-dry-cure method for binding Ag NPs onto cotton fabric[J]. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2018, 111: 796-803.
doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.01.091
[12] XU Q B, XIE L J, DIAO H, et al. Antibacterial cotton fabric with enhanced durability prepared using silver nanoparticles and carboxymethyl chitosan[J]. Carbohydrate Polymers, 2017, 177: 187-193.
doi: S0144-8617(17)30989-X pmid: 28962757
[13] XU Q B, ZHENG W S, DUAN P P, et al. One-pot fabrication of durable antibacterial cotton fabric coated with silver nanoparticles via carboxymethyl chitosan as a binder and stabilizer[J]. Carbohydrate Polymers, 2019, 204: 42-49.
doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.09.089
[14] 陈小璇. 海藻酸盐基棉纤维涂层的构筑和防火性能研究[D]. 合肥: 中国科学技术大学, 2017: 1-15.
CHEN Xiaoxuan. Study on the construction and fire resistance performance of alginate - based cotton fiber coating[D]. Hefei: University of Science and Technology of China, 2017: 1-15.
[15] BALAKRISHNAN B, MOHANTY M, UMASHANKAR P R, et al. Evaluation of an in situ forming hydrogel wound dressing based on oxidized alginate and ge-latin[J]. Biomaterials, 2005, 26(32): 6335-6342.
doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2005.04.012
[16] BALAKRISHNAN B, JAYAKRISHNAN A. Self-cross-linking biopolymers as injectable in situ forming biodegradable scaffolds[J]. Biomaterials, 2005, 26(18): 3941-3951.
doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2004.10.005
[17] 刘云, 冀虎, 赵瑾朝, 等. 氧化海藻酸钠交联海藻酸钙/明胶(半)互穿网络的制备及性能[J]. 高分子材料科学与工程, 2014, 30(12): 123-127.
LIU Yun, JI Hu, ZHAO Jinzhao, et al. Preparation and properties of calcium alginate/gelatin(semi) IPNs crosslinked with oxidized sodium alginate[J]. Polymer Materials Science & Engineering, 2014, 30(12): 123-127.
[18] 付小蓉, 朱昊, 黄丹. 棉织物壳聚糖衍生物抗菌整理[J]. 印染, 2010, 36(13): 1-4.
FU Xiaorong, ZHU Hao, HUANG Dan. Anti-bacterial finish of cotton fabric with chitosan derivatives[J]. Dyeing & Finishing, 2010, 36(13): 1-4.
[19] XU D M, JI Q, QUAN F Y, et al. Effect of sodium ion on flame retardance and thermal degradation of cellulose fiber[J]. Advanced Materials Research, 2013, 634-638: 955-959.
doi: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.634-638
[20] 顾振宇, 王春梅, 周光华, 等. 壳聚糖整理棉织物的抗菌性能研究[J]. 棉纺织技术, 2022, 50(9): 24-27.
GU Zhenyu, WANG Chunmei, ZHOU Guanghua, et al. Antibacterial study of chitosan finished cotton fabric[J]. Cotton Textile Technology, 2022, 50(9): 24-27.
[21] 周青青, 陈嘉毅, 祁珍明, 等. 阻燃抗菌棉织物的制备及其性能表征[J]. 纺织学报, 2020, 41(5): 112-120.
ZHOU Qingqing, CHEN Jiayi, QI Zhenming, et al. Preparation and characterization of flame retardant and antibacterial cotton fabric[J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2020, 41(5): 112-120.
[22] 刘淑萍, 李亮, 刘让同, 等. 羧甲基纤维素钠改性角蛋白膜的结构与性能[J]. 纺织学报, 2019, 40(6): 14-19.
LIU Shuping, LI Liang, LIU Rangtong, et al. Structure and properties of keratin film modified by carboxymethyl cellulose sodium[J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2019, 40(6): 14-19.
[1] SONG Jiayi, WANG Zhengyi, CHENG Xianwei, GUAN Jinping, ZHU Yawei. Preparation of liquid indigo dye and its dyeing performance on cotton fabrics [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2025, 46(12): 133-141.
[2] WANG Liangyu, GAO Xiaohong, YU Caijiao, ZHANG Xueting, YANG Xuli. Preparation and sensing performance of reduced graphene oxide/copper nanoparticles conductive cotton fabrics [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2025, 46(12): 181-187.
[3] LONG Hongxia, WU Wei, LIU Yalan, XU Hong, MAO Zhiping. Molecular dynamics simulation of hygroscopic swelling behavior of porous cellulose fibers [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2025, 46(11): 155-163.
[4] YE Hui, CONG Honglian, HE Haijun. Preparation and properties of phase change hollow polyester fibers based on binary fatty acids [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2025, 46(11): 188-195.
[5] ZHANG Fan, CAI Zaisheng, LIU Huijing, LU Shaofeng, HUANG Xuming. Preparation and properties of robust photochromic cotton fabrics via click chemistry [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2025, 46(11): 196-202.
[6] XU Yunkai, SONG Wanmeng, ZHANG Xu, LIU Yun. Preparation and properties of high-efficient flame-retardant Lyocell fabrics with tannic acid based flame retardants [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2025, 46(08): 145-153.
[7] WANG Zihan, LI Yong, CHEN Xiaochuan, WANG Jun, LIANG Lingjie. Modeling and simulation of waste cotton fabric shredding process [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2025, 46(07): 136-143.
[8] XU Liya, WANG Zhen, YANG Hongjie, WANG Wei. Preparation and antibacterial property of zinc oxide-silver/bio-based polyamide 56 composite nanofiber membranes [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2025, 46(07): 37-45.
[9] WANG Chunxiang, LI Jiao, XIE Kaifang, XUE Hongkun, XU Guangbiao. Preparation and properties of gastrodia elata polysaccharide/polyvinyl alcohol antibacterial food-wrap membrane by electrospinning [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2025, 46(06): 73-79.
[10] ZHAO Qiangqiang, WANG Hanxing, ZHANG Fengxuan, HE Jinxin, ZHOU Jun, ZHOU Zhaochang, DONG Xia. Light fastness of dyed cotton fabrics modified with poly(hexamethylene biguanide) hydrochloride [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2025, 46(04): 109-118.
[11] HUANG Chunyue, HUANG Xin, DU Haijuan, XU Wenjie, YANG Xuemei, WAN Keyan, LI Xu, GAO Jie. Preparation of octamolybdates complex finishing agents and their ultraviolet protection property for finishing cotton fabrics [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2025, 46(04): 138-145.
[12] LIAO Xilin, ZENG Yuan, LIU Shuping, LI Liang, LI Shujing, LIU Rangtong. Preparation of P/N/Si composite synergistic flame retardant cotton fabric and its performance [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2025, 46(03): 151-157.
[13] ZHANG Jie, GUO Xinyuan, GUAN Jinping, CHENG Xianwei, CHEN Guoqiang. Modification of cotton fabric by in-situ deposition of phosphorus/nitrogen flame retardants for durable flame retardancy [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2025, 46(02): 180-187.
[14] SONG Wanmeng, WANG Baohong, SUN Yu, YANG Jiaxiang, LIU Yun, WANG Yuzhong. Preparation and performance of flame-retardant viscose fabrics with both mechanical and efficient flame-retardant properties [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2025, 46(02): 188-196.
[15] YUAN Huabin, WANG Yifeng, WANG Jiapeng, XIANG Yongxuan, CHEN Guoqiang, XING Tieling. Modification of cotton fabrics by behenic acid and ZIF-8 for superhydrophobic and anti-icing performance [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2025, 46(02): 197-206.
Viewed
Full text


Abstract

Cited
  Shared   
  Discussed   
No Suggested Reading articles found!
京ICP备14006648号
Copyright 2021 © Editorial office of Journal of Textile Research
Supported by Beijing Magtech Co.Ltd