Bioactive Finishes for Sustainable and Functional Textiles

This chapter explores the dynamic area of bioactive finishes applied for the enhancement of sustainable and functional textiles. With the rise in consumer awareness about environmental concerns, there is a growing need for textiles that possess both exceptional performance qualities and adhere to eco-friendly principles. Bioactive finishes, derived from natural sources such as plants, animals, fungi, microorganisms, or renewable raw materials, are emerging as a potential alternative to satisfy these requirements. The chapter presents a thorough summary of several bioactive substances, such as antibacterial, UV-protective, flame-retardant, and moisture-wicking chemicals, that may be integrated into textile treatments. These bioactive finishes enhance the durability and use of textiles while also addressing concerns regarding their environmental effect and influence on human health. Considerations like biodegradability, less chemical use, and total life cycle analysis are looked at to see how sustainable these finishes are. Moreover, the chapter explores the methods and techniques such as padding, spraying, coating, or microencapsulation used to incorporate bioactive finishes into textiles, with a focus on the significance of effective and eco-friendly procedures. Furthermore, this chapter focuses on the notable progress achieved in creating bioactive coatings for textiles, with a particular emphasis on their capacity to both enhance sustainability and functionality. As the textile industry pursues new and environmentally aware solutions, bioactive finishes stand out as a viable path for satisfying the increasing expectations of modern customers while minimizing the environmental imprint of textile manufacturing.