INVESTIGATION OF UV PROTECTIVE COTTON FABRIC DYED WITH POMEGRANATE PEEL EXTRACT

Abstract

The antibacterial effects of cotton fabric coloured with pomegranate peel extract are examined in this study. It evaluates the fabric's performance in relation to Aspergillus Flavus, Gram-positive - Escherichia coli & Gram-negative - Staphylococcus aureus microorganisms. Due to the increased abundance of dye molecules, the results demonstrate that fabric dyed at pH 7 with a % dye concentration demonstrates the highest antibacterial and antifungal activity. Additionally, the article assesses the colour strength (K/S) of the fabric dyed with pomegranate peel & provides CIE lab coordinates to quantify colour properties. The fabric's liquid moisture management properties, crucial for wound dressing materials, are also assessed, showing excellent wetting, absorption, and spreading characteristics. The Ultra Protection Factor (UPF), which measures how well the fabric filters out UV rays, is also examined in the study. It is discovered that adding pomegranate peel extract dramatically increases the UPF from 12 to 45. The potential for cotton fabric coloured with pomegranate peel to provide effective UV protection is highlighted by this development.