Mechanical Properties, Comfort, and Bio-Function of PLA Knits Treated with Microcapsules of Citrus Unshiu's Essential Oil

This study aimed to investigate the mechanical properties, comfort attributes such as water absorption, water-vapor permeability, as well as air permeability, fragrance release, and antimicrobial activity of PLA knits treated with microcapsules containing Citrus Unshiu`s essential oil (MIC-CUEO). As for the mechanical properties by KES, tensile and bending rigidity were slightly increased while surface roughness and compressional energy were reduced. Comfort attributes including water absorption, water-vapor permeability, and air permeability were also declined but not significant. Fragrance release rates were very, which means that the treated PLA could preserve its fragrance feasibly. Finally, lower capsule and binder concentrations such as 3% were shown to provide excellent antimicrobial activity to PLA knits even after 10 repeated launders.