Effect of Gamma Radiation on Cotton Fabric with Chitosan to Improve the Mechanical Properties

In this investigation modification of cotton fabric with chitosan was done by the application of gamma radiation to improve the mechanical properties of cotton fabric. From the prawn shell chitin is prepared. Chitosan is prepared from deacetylation of chitin and dissolved in 1% acetic acid solution and radiated at 30KGy Co-60 gamma radiation. Radiated chitosan solution is cross-linked with scoured cotton fabric with the help of citric acid and NaHPO 4 used as catalyst. Cross-linked chitosan-cellulose solution is radiated at 1kGy through Co-60 gamma radiation. FTIR analysis was carried out for radiated cross-linked chitosan-cellulose for the improvement of the functional group of cotton. In order to augment the tensile strength and elongation percentage of pure cotton, irradiated chitosan cotton fabric and radiated chitosan cotton fabric was also evaluated and results showed that significantly improved their properties.