Multifunctional Finishing of Viscose Fabric with Pomegranate Peel Extract

Given the increasingly stringent environmental standards mandated today, the functionalization of textile materials using natural biopolymers and plant extracts represents an environmentally acceptable alternative to traditional synthetic agents. To obtain functionalized viscose fabric, a pretreatment process involving periodate oxidation followed by chitosan deposition was performed. Chitosan provides enhanced biological properties due to the presence of amino groups, which enable its deposition and the application of pomegranate peel (Punica granatum L.) extract during functionalization. Pomegranate peel extract contains a large number of bioactive compounds that further enhance the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of the functionalized viscose fabric. Changes in surface chemistry, morphology, and biological properties after functionalization and up to five washing cycles were followed by FTIR spectroscopy, zeta potential measurements, SEM, and determination of antibacterial and antioxidant activities, respectively. The results showed a 100% bacterial reduction against Staphylococcus aureus up to five washing cycles, and 100% before and 99% after one washing cycle against Escherichia coli. The antioxidant activity of functionalized viscose (70.5% and 60.1% for 60 min and 120 min pre-oxidized fabrics, respectively) decreased after washing, while the obtained color remained stable after five washing cycles. The results indicate that viscose fabric functionalized with pomegranate peel extract can be used in the production of bioactive clothing for individuals with sensitive skin, as well as household and healthcare textile products.