IMPACT OF NEEM IN CASE OF ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY ON SINGLE JERSEY COTTON FABRIC

The research based on the development of anti-bacterial fabric using Neem. An antimicrobial agent extracted from the leaves & bark of Neem tree (Azadirachtaindica) was used for adding an antibacterial property to the blend fabric. Alum was used as mordant in dyeing. Different concentrations were used to treat the fabric with the antimicrobial agent along with the cross- linking agent. The aAntibacterial property was examined by AATC method against the growth of gram- positive & gram negative bacteria respectively. The finished fabrics have shown significant characteristics in prohibiting the growth of Gram-positive bacteria. The finished fabrics were examined to know the fastness properties. In this study fastness to washing and rubbing were assessed. Antimicrobial activity against Gram- positive bacteria was retained up to four machine washes and decreased thereafter.