Abstract

Neem (Azadirachta Indica) products are well known for their antifungal and antibacterial property. The neem extract obtained from the trees leaves when fixed on the woven fabric with fixing agents, it shows some interesting physical and biological properties. The finished product was subjected to IR, wicking, antibacterial tests for commercial exploration.

Keywords: Neem extract, IR, Abrasion resistance, wicking test.

Introduction:

Some of the herbal compounds obtained from plants are well known from time immemorial as antibacterial and anti fungal products. These plants and tree products are applied directly on skin or wounds as paste or in caution either for skin care or wound healing. These natural products are abundantly available in nature and are widely distributed. They are cheap and not processed and can be used as raw materials for required applications. Apart from dyeing; these medicinal products posses distinct odour for identification. These plant products are non irritant to skin and non toxic. Many of these materials are skin care products. The stem, bark, leaf, root and tubur of the plants and trees can be used for special application. Neem is a medicinal tree whose bark, stem, leaf, root and fruit can be used for antibacterial and anti fungal action.

In this paper particularly neem products are studied in detail. Neem contains a very important constituent namely "NIMBUS" (C₃₀H₃₆O₉). This compound has the property to act against bacteria. Recent literature reference has been cited to use products derived from neem (Azadirachta Indica) for fixing on fabrics especially on cotton fabrics.

When the seeds or leaf of neem is crushed either as raw or as dried material and then an extract is made in aqueous solution, all the soluble products from a ticotion, which is filtered and the filtrate is used for all the studies.

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About the Author

The author is Sr. Lecturer in Department of Textile Technology at Jaya Engineering College.