Influence of Neem/ Chitosan Composite on the Antimicrobial activity

Wool fibers pretreated with chitosan, nano chitosan and neem/ chitosan composite and dyed with curcumin (curcuma long) and red onion peals natural dyes and saffron red and yellow mixture by using microwave heating method. The effect of chitosan/neem composite concentrations on color strength (K/S) was measured. Fastness properties and the color yield of the dye on wool fibers were evaluated. The morphologies structure of the untreated and pretreated wool fibers were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that, wool fibers pretreated with the composite recorded higher color strength than the untreated fibers. The results indicated that color fastness to rubbing, washing and perspiration of all dyed wool fibers pretreated with the composite are higher than the untreated.. The color fastness of dyed wool fibers pretreated are higher than the untreated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated that the untreated wool fibers have a rough surface. The treated wool fibers were swelling compared to the untreated fibers. The diameter of the fibers increased and has smooth and even surfaces.