Synthesis and application of a novel cold brand reactive dye to impart colouration, mosquito repellency, and UV protection to nylon

Mosquito-borne diseases are a great concern for human health, and an increment in urbanization causes a rise in the population of mosquitoes. The efficient methods and products for countering mosquito bites are the urgent need of the hour. To protect against mosquitoes, mosquito repellent textiles are an attractive substrate. An impartment of simultaneous dyeing and finishing effects on nylon is an urgent requirement as it can enhance its applicability in various technical applications. The present study reports the preparation of a mosquito repellent-cum-UV protective nylon using a novel reactive dye. The synthesis of dye involves the reaction of cyanuric chloride with H-acid (sodium 4-amino-5-hydroxy-2,7-naphthalene disulfonic acid) to generate cyanuric-H-acid, which was further reacted with diazotised 4-amino-N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET-NH2) to synthesise a novel cold brand reactive dye. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), elemental analysis (CHN analyser), UV–vis spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to characterise the synthesised dye. The colouration of nylon was done in an infrared lab dyeing machine. The exhaustion and fixation of dye on nylon and the colouration properties (L*, a*, b*, C*, K/S) of dyed nylon were explored. Functional properties (mosquito repellency and UV protection) were evaluated even after laundering treatments. The dyed fabrics were also characterised using TGA and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. An outstanding mosquito repellency (100 %) and good UV protection were achieved.