The antimicrobial characteristic study of acrylic fiber treated with metal salts and direct dyes

Acrylic fabric was treated with direct dyes in combination with copper and zinc sulfates as mordanting agents and then tested for their antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The metal salts used were also studied for their likely effects on the antimicrobial property of fabrics dyed with C.I. Direct Yellow 12, C.I. Direct Red 23, C.I. Direct Red 31, and C.I. Direct Black 38. Untreated (control) acrylic fabric exhibited no antibacterial behavior whilst dyed and mordanted fabrics revealed considerable antimicrobial properties. It was found that the fabric treated with C.I. Direct Yellow 12 and copper sulfate as mordant achieved the highest antimicrobial activity with good washing fastness. Finally, FT-IR analysis, light, and washing fastnesses of the treated samples were evaluated.