Citronella Oil and Its Role in Eco-Fashion
For decades, citronella essential oil has been valued for its mosquito-repellent properties and use in aromatherapy. Today, it has entered the textile industry through an innovative application: eco-friendly mosquito-repellent fabrics.
This breakthrough combines eco-fashion with functional textiles, offering not only comfort and aesthetics but also natural protection against mosquitoes. Through microencapsulation technology, citronella oil can be embedded into cotton fibers, creating fabrics that are effective, safe, and sustainable.
Why Citronella Oil?
Citronella oil contains active compounds such as citronellal, citronellol, and geraniol that interfere with the mosquito’s olfactory receptors, making it one of the most effective natural repellents. Unlike synthetic chemicals, citronella is biodegradable, safe for human contact, and environmentally friendly, making it the perfect candidate for eco-fashion innovation.
Selection of Ingredients
The development of mosquito-repellent fabrics requires careful selection of raw materials:
A. Active Ingredient (Essential Oil)
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Citronella Oil: A widely recognized natural repellent.
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Active Compounds: Citronellal, citronellol, geraniol.
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Concentration: 10–20% of the final formulation, depending on desired repellent intensity.
B. Coacervating Polymers
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Gelatin (G): A biodegradable and biocompatible polymer forming a stable gel-like phase in water, ideal for encapsulating essential oils. (2–5% w/v solution).
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Gum Arabic (GA): A natural polysaccharide with excellent emulsifying properties that stabilizes essential oil droplets. (1–2% w/v solution).
C. Solvents and Additives
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Distilled Water: Solvent for polymer solutions.
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Ethanol (optional): Helps dissolve citronella oil and improve dispersion (5–10% v/v).
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Crosslinking Agent (optional): Glutaraldehyde 0.1–0.5% (v/v) for enhanced microcapsule stability.
D. Fabric Substrate
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Cotton Fabric: Selected for its absorbency, comfort, and ability to retain microcapsules on fiber surfaces.
Materials and Methods
Coacervation Process: Microencapsulation of Citronella Oil
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Preparation of Polymer Solutions
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Dissolve gelatin in warm distilled water (60°C) to create a 2–5% (w/v) solution.
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Dissolve gum arabic in distilled water to form a 1–2% (w/v) solution. Stir thoroughly.
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Preparation of Oil Phase
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Mix citronella oil with ethanol (optional) to aid dispersion.
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Aim for 10–20% citronella oil in the total formulation.
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Coacervation Induction
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Slowly add the oil phase into the polymer mixture while stirring.
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Adjust pH to 4–5 using acetic acid or citric acid. This triggers coacervation, forming microcapsules around the oil droplets.
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Separation and Washing
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Centrifuge the mixture at low speed to separate microcapsules.
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Wash microcapsules with cold distilled water to remove excess polymer.
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Drying of Microcapsules
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Dry under vacuum or air-dry at room temperature to preserve essential oil integrity.
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Application of Microcapsules onto Fabric
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Fabric Preparation
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Wash and dry cotton fabric before treatment.
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Padding Method for Coating
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Disperse dried microcapsules in water to create a slurry (5–10% w/v).
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Immerse fabric in the suspension, then squeeze to remove excess liquid and ensure uniform coating.
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Drying and Fixation
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Dry fabric at 60–70°C for 30–60 minutes to secure microcapsules onto fibers.
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Crosslinking (Optional)
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Apply mild heat treatment (50–60°C for 30 minutes) if using glutaraldehyde to improve adhesion and durability.
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Final Inspection and Testing
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Inspect coating uniformity.
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Conduct mosquito repellency and wash-durability tests to evaluate effectiveness.
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Benefits and Real-World Applications
Mosquito-repellent fabrics coated with citronella oil microcapsules can be used for:
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Outdoor clothing (jackets, pants, hats)
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Home textiles (bed sheets, pillow covers, curtains)
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Camping gear (tents, sleeping bags)
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Children’s wear (extra protection in mosquito-prone areas)
This innovation ensures protection without the need for chemical sprays, offering both functionality and environmental sustainability.
DDistillers and the Future of Eco-Fashion
As a leading producer of high-quality essential oils, DDistillers is committed to supporting sustainable innovations. By supplying standardized citronella oil, DDistillers plays a vital role in bridging traditional plant-based solutions with modern textile technology, shaping the future of eco-fashion.
Conclusion
The integration of citronella oil into textiles represents a breakthrough in sustainable innovation. Through microencapsulation using gelatin and gum arabic, citronella oil can be embedded in cotton fabrics, offering long-lasting mosquito repellency while remaining safe and eco-friendly.
This innovation not only protects health but also aligns with global eco-fashion trends, demonstrating how nature and technology can come together to create meaningful, sustainable solutions.
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