β-Cyclodextrin-Based Poly (Vinyl Alcohol) Fibers for Sustained Release of Fragrances

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Textile Engineering

Background:

• Poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is a versatile polymer with potential applications in functional textiles.
• β-cyclodextrin (CD) is known for its ability to form inclusion complexes, useful for encapsulating active molecules.
• Developing long-term scented fabrics requires stable matrices for fragrance retention and controlled release.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare and characterize Poly (vinyl alcohol)/β-cyclodextrin (PVA/CD) composite fibers.
• To investigate the effect of β-cyclodextrin on the structural and crystalline properties of PVA fibers.
• To evaluate the potential of crosslinked PVA/CD fibers for sustained fragrance release.

Main Methods:

• Composite fibers were fabricated using wet spinning and hot stretching.
• X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) were used for structural analysis.
• Crosslinking with glutaraldehyde (GA) and 2D-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (2D-FTIR) were employed to study fragrance complexation and release.

Main Results:

• β-cyclodextrin was found to be in an amorphous state within the fibers, maintaining fibrous crystallinity.
• The crystalline ratio of the composite fibers decreased with increasing β-CD content.
• Crosslinked PVA/CD/GA fibers showed high fragrance retention (55.63% cis-jasmone, 48.25% citronella after 25 days) due to inclusion complex formation.

Conclusions:

• PVA/CD composite fibers can be effectively prepared and crosslinked for enhanced functionality.
• The amorphous β-CD and crosslinked structure facilitate the loading and sustained release of fragrance molecules.
• This technology holds promise for the mass production of wearable, long-term scented fabrics.