Development of technical textile with microcapsules of essential oils of cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) and citrus aurantium (orange) via in situ polymerization.

The increasing demand for functional textile materials has created new challenges for the sector, particularly the need to incorporate advanced manufacturing techniques and innovative finishing processes that can drive the development of next-generation sports textiles. Among the strategies available, the use of microcapsules has emerged as a particularly promising approach, as it enables the controlled incorporation of active agents into fabrics, thereby providing additional and long-lasting functionalities. In this study, an innovative textile finishing treatment was developed through the application of microcapsules containing lemongrass and orange essential oils. The microcapsules were synthesized by in situ polymerization and subsequently applied to polyamide (PA66) fabric using the pad-dry process, ensuring adequate adhesion to the textile substrate. The objective was to combine the intrinsic benefits of aromatherapy with textile performance, ultimately offering potential improvements in both the well-being and physical performance of athletes. The microcapsules obtained exhibited mean diameters of 460.08 nm for lemongrass and 1,121.43 nm for orange, with encapsulation efficiencies of 20.77% and 23.03%, respectively, confirming successful entrapment of the essential oils. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated the enhanced thermal stability of the encapsulated oils, validating the effectiveness of the polymeric shell. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the heterogeneous morphology of the microcapsules and their deposition on the fabric surface, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) identified functional bands associated with both the oils and the polymeric matrix, evidencing molecular interactions with PA66. Taken together, these results highlight the relevance of microencapsulation as a technological pathway for textile functionalization. Furthermore, the study underscores the potential of this approach to support the development of innovative sports textiles that not only improve consumer comfort but also contribute to health and overall athletic performance.