Synthesis of a Novel Cationic Dye to Impart Mosquito-Repellent and UV Protection to an Acrylic Fabric

[Image: see text] The growing demand for innovative routes to develop functional textiles initiated the necessity of new efficient functional molecules. Dyes can provide durable functional protection to textiles due to their ability to generate strong dye–fiber interaction. New dyes to improve a dyed substrate’s quality and aesthetic appearance are in huge demand. This research aims to prepare a mosquito-repellent and UV-protective acrylic fabric using a novel cationic (basic) dye. The cationic dye was synthesized and thoroughly characterized with the help of FTIR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, and CHN analysis. The dye was further used for the dyeing of the acrylic fabric by using an infrared dyeing machine. To analyze the suitability of dyed fabrics for daily use, washing, rubbing, and light fastness of dyed fabrics were determined. The amount of dye (%) taken up by the acrylic fabric (exhaustion %) was determined, and more than 72% of exhaustion was obtained. The fixation (%) of the dye on acrylic fabrics was also quantified, and more than 80% fixation was obtained. The coloration properties of the dyed fabrics (L*, a*, b*, and K/S) were examined. The dyed fabrics showed a K/S of more than 3. The mosquito-repellent action provided by the dyed fabrics was also analyzed, and 100% repellency was obtained. The dyed fabrics provided an excellent UV-protective property. The multifunctional properties of dyed fabrics were retained significantly even after laundering treatments. The dyed fabrics were characterized using X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. A reduction in crystalline peak intensity after dyeing was obtained. The dyed and undyed fabrics were also tested for their tensile strength.