Development of mosquito-repellent and antibacterial nylon

Abstract

In the present study, a substantive derivative of N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET), i.e. 4-amino-N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET-NH₂), has been applied on nylon fabric by the exhaust process. The change in the appearance of the fabric after finishing and the efficacy of functional properties, like mosquito repellency and antibacterial activity, has been evaluated using standard methods. The finished fabric shows mosquito repellency (100%) and antibacterial activity (>90%), which are found durable until at least 10 washes.