Vol. 9, Issue 5, Part C (2025)

The present study focused on developing wool fabric infused with microencapsulated thyme essential oil. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the treated wool fabric demonstrated the presence of numerous uniformly sized spherical microcapsules on its surface, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated the existence of various functional groups likely responsible for the alterations in characteristics. The treatment with microencapsulated thyme essential oil enhanced most of the physical, mechanical, and performance properties of the wool fabric. The aroma-infused wool fabric exhibited significant effectiveness against moths, resulting in a weight reduction of 8.10 percent and a moth mortality rate of 50 percent. Additionally, the aroma-infused fabric displayed antibacterial properties, decreasing bacterial growth against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli by 71.20 percent and 67.71 percent, respectively. Scoured wool fabric exhibited a strong UPF value of 30.25, which increased to 42.31 after undergoing aroma treatment. Fabric samples that were treated with microencapsulated thyme essential oil demonstrated impressive aroma retention and intensity when subjected to various factors such as washing, abrasion, ironing, and sun-drying. Therefore, microencapsulated thyme essential oil serves as an effective means to provide a durable fragrance finish to wool fabric, creating textiles that have multiple functions, including antimoth, antibacterial, and UV protection properties, without adversely affecting the physical characteristics of the wool fabric.