Innovative multifinishing using chitosan-O-PEG graft copolymer/citric acid aqueous system for preparation of medical textiles

The present work aims at development of an innovative multifinishing system for preparation of new cotton products that can be used for various purposes especially in medical textiles. The innovation is based on synthesis, characterization, and application of chitosan-O-polyethylene glycol to the cotton fabrics. Thus, N-phthaloyl chitosan is reacted with monomethyl ether iodide in the presence of silver oxide by the following steps. At first, amino groups of chitosan are protected by fourfold excess of phthalic anhydride. Then N-phthaloyl chitosan is reacted with an appropriate amount of monomethyl ether iodide and lastly N-phthaloyl groups are removed. The intermediate and final products are separated from the reaction mixtures and their structure is confirmed using IR spectra, 1H NMR spectroscopy, chemical analysis, and x-ray diffraction. Cotton fabric is treated with multifunctional finishing agent (MFFA) to impart multipermanent, antimicrobial, anticrease properties, and comfortable sensation to the t...