Determination of Anti-bacterial Effect, Anti- odour Effect, uv- protection Factor and XRD on Formic Acid Treated Modal and Cotton Fabric

Abstract

Modal is a bio-based rather than natural made from the spun reconstituted cellulose polymer of beech trees. Modal is a regenerated cellulosic fibre of the second generation and a rayon variant. They are durable and strong while remaining soft and silky to the touch. Modal fabrics drape well and do not pile like cotton fabrics. Even after repeated washing, modal fabrics resist fading, shrinking, and the accumulation of hard water mineral deposits. In this study, modal fabrics (woven and knitted) are selected and conventionally pretreated before being subjected to different concentrations of 98 percent formic acid, which is used in the bio process of cellulose polymeric materials. The formic acid-treated modal fabrics were then subjected to various tests, including anti-bacterial assessment, anti-odor behaviour, anti-odor retention behaviour, UV protection factor, and XRD. The effectiveness of these treatments on modal fabrics was compared to that of cotton.