Synthesis and Characterization of Chitin/Curcumin-Based Aqueous Polyurethanes for Textile Finishes

In this work, a novel series of chitin/curcumin-based aqueous polyurethanes (APUs) were synthesized by varying molecular weight of polycaprolactone (CAPA), following step growth polymerization. In first step, pre-polymer was synthesized by utilizing CAPA, dimethylol propionic acid, and toluene diisocyanate. In second step, the chain was extended using eco-friendly chitin/curcumin. Then neutralization was carried-out and in final step, distilled water was added to make APU dispersion. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy was utilized for APU structural confirmation and dynamic light scattering was utilized to determine APU particle size. Textile performances of APUs were assessed by applying on printed and dyed textiles. Surface morphology of coated and uncoated textiles was determined by scanning electron microscopy. Colorfastness properties of coated textiles revealed an incredible enhancement in rating such as fastness to light (from 3 to 4/5 for dyed, 3/4 to 5 for printed). Tensile and tear strength were also improved. Results revealed that APU synthesized from higher molecular weight CAPA has depicted excellent pilling, colorfastness and antimicrobial performance of textiles. This research presents an economical and greener finishing of textiles.