Author(s): Rimpi and Archana Singh

Abstract:
Protective finish has a functionality of giving protection from something in some or the other sense. Mosquito repellent finish is a part of protective finishes which help in protection from mosquitoes which are classified as one of the deadliest pests known to man. Mosquito repellent finishes on textiles are one of the most growing ways to advance the textile field by providing the needed characteristics of protecting against mosquitoes. Thus an endeavour has been made to apply protective finish on cotton fabric by using Eucalyptus citriodora (lemon eucalyptus) leaves extract. This natural mosquito repellent finishing agent is very effective, environment friendly, biodegradable as well as inexpensive. A series of experiment were conducted for the development of protective mosquito repellent cotton fabric using lemon eucalyptus leaves extract. The concentration of mosquito repellent extract, concentration of mordant and dyeing time was standardized on the basis of mosquito repellency test. These samples were given after treatment with various concentrations of citric acid for different time and then subjected to test the wash durability and efficacy of mosquito repellency.