Fabrication of sustainable functional cotton fabric with silk sericin and chitosan for protective textiles.

The use of bio-based sources for producing multifunctional cotton fabric with UV-protective and antibacterial properties is essential. Hence, the primary aim of this work was to develop sustainable functional cotton fabric (antibacterial and UV-protective) by applying silk sericin and chitosan using a simple and environmentally benign pad-dry curing method. The modification as well as functional properties of the treated fabric were evaluated in terms of antimicrobial efficacy, moisture management, UV protection, scavenging activity, surface morphology, thermal stability and mechanical strength.