Adsorption of fragrance capsules onto cellulose nano- and micro-cellulose fibers in presence of guar biopolymers

TL;DR

This study investigates how fragrance capsules adhere to cellulose fibers in fabric softeners, focusing on the roles of surfactants and biopolymers to improve sustainable textile treatments.

Contribution

It reveals the mechanisms of fragrance capsule adsorption onto cellulose fibers influenced by surfactants and guar biopolymers, aiding eco-friendly fabric softener design.

Findings

Fragrance capsules adsorb onto cotton fibers via electrostatic interactions.

Cationic surfactants and guar biopolymers promote capsule deposition.

SEM confirms capsule adhesion in presence of cationic agents.

Abstract

Fabric softeners are formulated to enhance textile softness and impart a pleasant scent. One of the most efficient technologies for controlled fragrance delivery onto fabrics involves encapsulating scent molecules in polymer capsules. Here, we investigate the adsorption of anionic fragrance cap-sules on cotton fabrics with the goal of reducing the reliance on palm-oil-derived surfactants. First, we employ 200 nm-cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) as a reliable model for cotton fibers. CNC enables us to explore interactions among various softener components, including surfactants, guar biopolymers, and fragrances, using physical chemistry techniques applied to bulk dispersions. The primary objec-tive is to elucidate the role of surfactant vesicles, the primary ingredient in textile conditioners, in the association between fragrance capsules and cotton. Secondly, we examine the influence of bi-opolymers present in a newly developed, environmentally friendly softener on this association. Our findings demonstrate that anionic fragrance capsules are deposited onto cotton microfibers in the presence of either cationic surfactants or guar biopolymers, driven by electrostatic interactions. Scanning electron microscopy confirms capsule adsorption on textile fibers when these cationic in-gredients are present. Understanding the interaction mechanisms between fragrance capsules and cotton fabrics, as well as the roles played by other softener components, can facilitate the design of more efficient and sustainable formulations.