FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to compression therapy of muscular pain. The present invention more particularly relates to a novel fabric comprising blends of pre-determined knitted fabrics providing appropriate compression, elasticity and thermal insulation to the novel fabric. The novel fabric is treated with at least one essential oil with pain relieving properties. The present invention also provides a method to obtain said novel fabric and the method of treating the fabric with the at least one essential oil. The invention further relates to applications of said essential oil treated novel fabric in compression therapy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Muscular pain is prevalent among all age groups at present time. There are many reasons which cause muscle pain, such as excessive use of muscles, improper use of muscles, exercises and many times stress and anxiety also result in muscular pain (Hongratanaworakit et al., 2018).
The prolonged standing, inactivity, sedentary lifestyle and occupation may also lead to Chronic Venous Disorder (CVD). The CVD is affecting World’s adult population ranging from 5% to 30% and it also shows a sex difference as it is more common in females as compared to males. The previous leg injury, obesity, heredity, phlebitis, age, sex and pregnancy are linked to the risk factor for CVD (Xiong and Tao, 2018). Knee pain is a common problem affecting people of all ages. An injury, such as tore cartilage or ruptured ligament, or medical conditions like gout, arthritis and infection also can cause knee pain. Muscular pain is a recognized medical problem resulting in further non-communicable diseases which are widely increasing throughout the world. It is affecting 15% to 40% of the people over 40 years of age globally (Abolhasani et al., 2019). Knee pain is predominant with increase in age and more common among women in comparison to men.

Compression garments are utilized for Chronic Venous Disease (CVD) management, orthopedic support, scare management, body shaping and sportswear. Compression garments are special clothes which contain elastomeric fibers or yarns that are responsible for applying substantial mechanical pressure on the required body surface for compressing, stabilizing and supporting underlying tissues. Elastomeric synthetic fibers can be stretched to 600 percent or more and have the tendency to return nearly to its original length under relaxed conditions. They are commercially available under brand names, such as Lycra, Vyrene, Blue C, Spanzelle and Glospan (Hall, 1975).
Compression garment conforms exactly to the body's shape and adds a small amount of pressure to the covered area. Compression garments are made of elastic fabric which apply pressure to the affected area and have positive impact on healing. These garments are individually designed and manufactured for a particular body part such as waist belts, collars, bandages, body suits, gloves, sleeves etc. Knee sleeve is designed for knees which help in relieving muscle pain.
Compression garments are made of different spun or filament yarns consisting of cotton, nylon, elastane, viscose, PET etc. and have woven and knitted construction (Kumar et al., 2014). Cotton, viscose rayon, nylon and polyester are majorly used fibers in manufacturing of compression garments. Cotton made fabrics are very comfortable for skin contact because of its soft hand, absorbency and good heat and electrical conductivity. Viscose rayon was the first regenerated cellulosic fiber having moderate elastic recovery and makes very comfortable, smooth, soft fabrics that are non-irritating to skin. Therefore, it is less likely to stretch out of shape. Nylon is suitable for technical products because of its light weight, high strength and resistance towards chemicals. Nylon also has high elongation and excellent abrasion resistance.
Xiong and Tao (2018) studied the compression garments and concentrated on the appropriate pressure of compressible garments for specific applications, such as sports wears and medical applications and concluded that by selecting accurate material, construction and garment design according to the body anatomy and curvature and the appropriate pressure for body part, the compressible garment for sportswear and pressure therapy could obtained optimal effect.
AU2018203961B2 discloses various fabrics, compression garments and compression garment systems. Fabrics formed from wicking and absorbent materials provide effective compression and an improved environment next to a wearer's skin, which provides greater comfort and improved overall performance. Two and multi-layer compression garments are described. An outer layer may be formed with an opening having a closure and an elastic material joining the sides of the opening. This provides a first level of compression with the closure open and a second level of compression with the closure closed and also helps a user in applying the garment.
WO2019139824A1 discloses a fabric system which can provide a skin care effect and which is comprised of first and second faces, a first face having a lower coefficient of friction than a second face.
CN109763247A provides a kind of linen cotton graphene polyester fiber blended knitted fabrics which provides the feel of common fabric with antibiotic property, warmth retention property, while keeping the blended needle of linen cotton graphene polyester fiber of certain hygroscopicity, gas permeability knitted fabric.
Synthetic chemicals which are mostly preferred in modern medicines for the treatment and relieving muscular pain may cause drowsiness or stomach irritation. The synthetic medicinal drugs for the treatment of muscular soreness are analgesic and anti-inflammatory in nature. These products may cause additional adverse effects on gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, consumers prefer natural products for the treatment and relieving muscular pain (Hongratanaworakit et al., 2018). About 500 plants are mentioned in ancient literature with their medicinal uses and around 800 plants have been used in indigenous systems of medicine (Singh and Jawid, 2012). More than 80% of the world’s population prefer traditional medicines which include medicinal plants extract and essential oils for their primary health needs (Loolaie et al., 2017). Some studies have shown that preferred essential oils for muscle pain and inflammation are extracted from eucalyptus, camphor, clary sage, rosemary, citrus oil, pine, black cumin, lavender, sweet marjoram and peppermint etc. (Hongratanaworakit et al., 2018).
Prior art suggests various synthetic chemicals and essential oils with pain relieving properties. Pine is one of such medicinal plant which contains several bioactive compounds which are helpful in reliving muscle soreness. Camphor and peppermint are another such natural products possessing anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, cardiotonic, carminative, diaphoretic and sedative properties which externally treats ligaments, tendons and muscular joints. Peppermint helps in aiding ulcer, bronchitis, sinus, headache, release stress and anxiety and muscular pain. Wintergreen essential oil is another remedy for rheumatism, arthritic problems, aching muscles along with several other health benefits. All these medicinal plants possess muscular aiding properties which promote overall strength and good health. Essential oils also stimulate and relax mind in addition with their medicinal properties (Hongratanaworakit et al., 2018).
Montazer et al. (2010) prepared disposable protective hygiene fabrics for medical applications by measuring antimicrobial properties against S. aureaus, E. coli and P. aeroginosa with the application of cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) antimicrobial agent on the polyester, viscose and polypropylene non-woven fabrics in fusion with Fluorochemical (FC 1112). The result showed that the application of CTAB with concentration 0.5%, 1% and 2% on polypropylene, viscose and polyester non-woven fabrics showed antimicrobial potential.
Jothi (2009) studied the antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) by treating cotton fabric with aloe vera gel extract. The extract was applied for 1, 2, 3 and 5 g/l concentrations for 30 minutes at 60°C temperature through pad-dry-cure method. The quantitative analysis test method and AATCC (Agar Diffusion) were used for the evaluation of the finished fabric sample. The finished fabric sample at 5g/l showed excellent antimicrobial activity and the wash durability of the finish was 98% after 50 washes.

Ramya et al. (2018) examined the effect of concentration and pressure of the padding mangle on the uptake and retention of oil, along with the development of antimicrobial textiles with the application of natural oils for the prevention of infectious diseases. The result showed that concentration of oil and pressure of padding mangle had significant effect on oil uptake. The oil uptake was higher in cotton in comparison to polyester and viscose fabric and cotton fabric had higher retention than polyester and viscose fabric.
Innovations resulting from technological advancement represent the best strategy for success in the increasing competitive textile industry. Use of essential oils for the development of fragrance embedded fabrics is also one such concept that is catching attention at the international level. Properly designed textiles containing effective therapeutic property of essential oils along with its fragrance can also play a significant role in the textile industry. The interesting innovation do exist in technical and medical field where the essential oils could be used as finishes to impart desirable aroma-therapeutic properties for treatment function in clothing for persons having different health conditions. The use of essential oils are found to be effective and safe in certain concentrations.
However, none of the prior art suggests a compression fabric treated with the pain relieving essential oil for use in compression therapy. Compression fabrics in the form such as garment or bandage etc. treated with essential oils can be used to relieve muscular pain without imposing any adverse effect on health as compared to untreated compression fabric. For example, the knee sleeves treated with essential oils containing pain relieving properties gives better results as compared to the untreated knee sleeves. There is wide variety of medicinal plants which help in combating muscle related health issues.
In order to provide an alternative therapy to pain, the present invention provides novel compression fabric treated with at least one essential oil for muscular pain relief by compression therapy.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
The main object of the present invention to provide a novel compression fabric treated with an essential oil or derivative thereof for use in pain relieving compression therapy.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel compression fabric comprising blends of pre-determined knitted fabrics providing appropriate compression, elasticity and thermal insulation to the novel fabric.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method to obtain the novel compression fabric comprising blends of pre-determined knitted fabrics.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method of treating the novel compression fabric with at least one essential oil or derivative thereof.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide the novel compression fabric treated with an essential oil for use in preparing compression garments such as knee sleeves for effective pain relief.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended by way of embodiments and examples. Such alterations and further modifications in the present invention, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present invention.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the summary of the invention provided herein is exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The composition, process, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more steps of method or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other, steps or components. Appearances of the phrase "in a preferred embodiment”, “in an embodiment", “in another embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a novel compression fabric treated with an essential oil for use in pain relieving compression therapy. The term essential oil includes the essential oil and derivative thereof. The compression fabric comprises blends of pre-determined knitted fabrics providing appropriate compression, elasticity and thermal insulation to the novel fabric. The blends of pre-determined knitted fabrics are selected from, but not limited to, cotton, polyester, viscose, nylon and lycra in various combinations and proportions. The essential oil is selected from pine oil, camphor oil, peppermint oil, wintergreen oil or derivative thereof. The selected at least one essential oil or derivative thereof may be used separately or in any combination in various proportions.
The present invention also provides a method to obtain the novel compression fabric comprising blends of pre-determined knitted fabrics, treated with an essential oil or derivative thereof. The pre-determined knitted blended fabrics are washed to removed impurities by the known process of scouring. The scouring bath is prepared with 2 g/l commercial detergent and 2 g/l soda ash in 1:40 material liquor ration for 1 hour at 80°C temperature. Then, the scoured fabric is removed and washed with cold water and dried.
Specifications of knitted fabric are determined on various parameters viz., wale and course count, fabric thickness and fabric weight (GSM) by using standard test methods in the standard atmospheric conditions of 21±2°C temperature and 65±2% relative humidity.
The at least one desired essential oil in specific concentration is applied on the washed knitted blended fabric. The washed knitted blended fabric is immersed in the oil solution of at least one desired essential oil solution and then passed between the rollers of padding mangle under specific conditions to squeeze out excessive solution from the washed knitted blended fabric and to obtain a uniform application of oil on the fabric. The specific conditions for rolling the oil solution soaked fabric between the rollers of padding mangle are speed of padding mangle per minute (rpm) and pressure of paddling mangle. The squeezed fabric is then dried and cured at 120-180°c for 2-5 minutes.
The oil treated fabric is then evaluated for oil retention of oil sorbent knitted fabrics, uptake of oil in the treated knitted fabrics, physical properties of treated knitted fabrics, fabric weight, tensile strength, tearing strength, compressibility, elongation and recovery, bending length, thermal resistance, durability of the treated knitted fabrics against washing, and antimicrobial properties of treated knitted fabric.
The at least one essential oil is selected from pine oil, camphor oil, peppermint oil, wintergreen oil or a combination thereof, or any derivative thereof in any combination, in specific concentration.
The novel oil treated compression fabric is capable of being used in preparing compression garments suitable for various parts of the body.
In an embodiment, the novel oil treated compression fabric is used for developing knee sleeves showing appropriate compression, elasticity and thermal insulation along with pain relieving properties.
Thus, the novel fabric of the present invention comprising blends of pre-determined knitted fabrics provides appropriate compression, elasticity and thermal insulation to the novel fabric and has oil retention properties. The novel fabric is treated with at least one essential oil with pain relieving properties. The novel fabric treated with essential oil is capable of being used in making various garments for effective compression therapy.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION WITH NON-LIMITING EXAMPLES
Accordingly, the present invention provides novel compression fabric treated with at least one essential oil or derivative thereof for use in pain relieving compression therapy. The novel compression fabric comprises blends of pre-determined knitted fabric possessing appropriate compression, elasticity, thermal insulation, oil uptake and retention properties. The compression fabric is selected from blends of knitted fabrics of cotton and lycra (CL), cotton and polyester and lycra (CPL), viscose and nylon and lycra (VNL). The essential oil used in the invention possesses pain relieving property and is selected from camphor oil, peppermint oil, pine needle oil, wintergreen oil or a combination thereof. The essential oils are 100% organic and procured from Aromaaz International. The novel compression fabric treated with the essential oil is used in preparing compression garments such as knee sleeves for effective pain relief.
The blend ratio of CL, CPL and VNL double jersey knitted blended fabrics are 95:5, 60:35:5, and 63:32:5, respectively.
Each of the three blended knitted fabrics are pre-treated by known process of scouring to remove natural as well as added impurities of essentially hydrophobic character from the fabric. The scouring bath is being prepared with two gram/litre commercial detergent and two gram/litre soda ash in 1:40 material liquor ratio and fabric is treated for one hour at 80°C temperature. Then, the fabric is removed and washed with cold water and dried.
The solution of essential oil is applied on each of the pre-treated knitted blended fabrics through pad-dry-cure method. This method comprises of three components: padding, drying and curing. Firstly, the fabrics are immersed in the prepared oil solution of desired essential oil of different concentrations ranging from 1% to 9% for 30 minutes. The essential oil solution is prepared at concentrations of 1%, 3%, 5%, 7% and 9% along with the emulsifier (PEG400) at ten percent concentration and then passed between the squeezing roller type laboratory padding mangle at uniform pressure of 2kg/cm2 along with uniform speed of padding mange i.e. 30 rpm. The excessive oil solution is squeezed out from the fabrics. Finally, the fabrics are oven dried at 60ºC for one and half hour and then cured at 140ºC for three minutes.
The properties of the each of the oil-treated knitted fabrics has been evaluated. Preliminary data of the untreated and essential oil treated knitted fabrics is determined on parameters such as wale and course count, fabric thickness and fabric weight by using standard test methods at the standard atmospheric conditions of 21±2°C temperature and 65±2% relative humidity. The fabrics have also been evaluated for oil retention and uptake of oil. The physical properties of the oil treated knitted fabric is also evaluated on the basis of specific parameters, such as thread count, fabric thickness, fabric weight, stiffness, tensile strength, tearing strength, elongation and recovery, thermal resistance. The antimicrobial property and wash durability of the treated fabrics have also been evaluated. Based on the results of evaluation, the blended knitted fabric is selected to develop compression garment. In Tables, S means significant and NS means non-significant at p<0.05.
Effect of Different essential oil concentration on knitted fabrics
The preliminary data of wale and course count, thickness of fabrics and weight per unit area of the untreated knitted fabrics and treated knitted fabrics used in the study at 1%, 3%, 5%, 7% and 9% concentrations have been evaluated and presented in Table 1.
Table 1: Effect of different essential oil concentrations on knitted fabrics
Fabric Code Oil Conc. (%) Wale count (per sq. inch) Course count (per sq. inch) Thickness (mm) Weight/unit area (ounce/sq. yard)

CL Control Sample 46.8 67.3 1.14 12.53

Camphor 1 46.2 67.2 1.15 12.81
3 46.3 67.1 1.15 12.84
5 46.2 66.8 1.15 12.93
7 45.7 66.8 1.16 12.95
9 45.9 66.7 1.17 13.03

Peppermint 1 46.3 66.6 1.15 12.83
3 46.4 66.9 1.16 12.84
5 46.4 66.3 1.16 12.98
7 46.1 66.1 1.17 13.01
9 46.2 65.7 1.17 13.32

CL

Pine needle 1 46.4 67.2 1.15 12.75
3 46.2 67.3 1.15 12.83
5 46.5 66.8 1.16 12.84
7 46.0 66.2 1.16 12.88
9 45.6 66.4 1.17 12.89

Wintergreen 1 46.5 66.8 1.16 12.80
3 46.2 66.4 1.16 12.87
5 45.6 66.1 1.17 12.90
7 45.6 66.2 1.18 12.92
9 45.2 66.6 1.18 12.97

CPL Control Sample 76.2 57.6 0.78 11.79

Camphor 1 75.8 57.2 0.79 11.93
3 75.6 56.7 0.79 11.99
5 75.7 57.3 0.79 12.04
7 75.6 56.5 0.80 12.15
9 75.2 55.9 0.81 12.29

Peppermint 1 75.6 56.4 0.79 11.98
3 75.2 56.4 0.80 11.99
5 74.7 55.7 0.80 12.05
7 74.5 55.2 0.81 12.10
9 73.8 54.7 0.81 12.23

Pine needle 1 75.7 56.5 0.79 11.98
3 75.5 56.2 0.79 11.99
5 75.3 55.8 0.79 12.04
7 74.9 55.7 0.80 12.09
9 74.6 55.8 0.80 12.11

Wintergreen 1 75.3 55.6 0.80 11.99
3 75.4 55.2 0.80 12.03
5 74.3 54.7 0.80 12.09
7 74.8 54.6 0.81 12.13
9 74.4 54.8 0.81 12.21

VNL Control sample 76.3 53.6 0.86 11.21

Camphor 1 75.7 52.9 0.88 11.69
3 75.4 52.6 0.88 11.70
5 74.8 52.1 0.89 11.72
7 74.7 51.8 0.89 11.76
9 74.6 51.3 0.90 11.94

Peppermint 1 76.1 53.2 0.88 11.62
3 75.8 52.8 0.88 11.78
5 75.5 52.4 0.88 11.89
7 75.6 51.7 0.89 12.07
9 75.4 50.8 0.89 12.76

Pine needle 1 76.2 53.4 0.88 12.02
3 75.3 53.1 0.88 12.08
5 75.5 52.7 0.89 12.18
7 75.0 52.2 0.89 12.32
9 75.2 52.4 0.90 12.43

Wintergreen 1 76.0 53.1 0.88 11.53
3 75.4 52.5 0.89 11.56
5 75.6 52.8 0.90 11.69
7 74.9 52.3 0.90 11.73
9 74.8 51.4 0.91 11.87
Results show that the concentration of essential oil does not have significant effect on wale and course count. Results also show that the concentration of essential oil increases the fabric thickness and fabric weight.
Oil retention by knitted fabrics
The fabrics have been dipped in each of the four essential oils. The oil retention at different intervals of time, i.e.,15 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 120 seconds, 300 seconds and 1800 seconds have been given in Tables 2 to 5.
Table 2 Camphor oil retention percentage in knitted fabrics after 30 minutes
Fabric Code Initial wt. (gm) Wt. of oil treated sample (gm) Wt. of oil treated sample at different interval Amount of retained oil (Final wt. – Initial wt.)
(gm) Oil retention
(%)
15 sec (gm) 30 sec (gm) 60 sec (gm) 120 sec (gm) 300 sec (gm) 1800 sec (gm)
CL 1.57 3.67 3.27 2.96 2.94 2.93 2.92 2.83 1.26 80.25
CPL 1.22 2.76 2.62 2.57 2.51 2.49 2.44 2.40 1.18 96.72
VNL 1.03 2.81 2.62 2.57 2.50 2.48 2.45 2.36 1.33 129.12
Table 2 shows that the percent of retained camphor oil in CL, CPL, and VNL is 80.25%, 96.72% and 129.12% respectively. The maximum percent of oil is retained by VNL.
Table 3 Peppermint oil retention percentage in knitted fabrics after 30 minutes
Fabric Code Initial wt. (gm) Wt. of oil treated sample (gm) Wt. of oil treated sample at different interval Amount of retained oil (Final wt. – Initial wt.) (gm) Oil retention
(%)
15 sec (gm) 30 sec (gm) 60 sec (gm) 120 sec (gm) 300 sec (gm) 1800 sec (gm)
CL 1.61 3.56 3.21 3.07 2.99 2.95 2.93 2.89 1.28 79.50
CPL 1.21 2.68 2.59 2.52 2.49 2.44 2.41 2.38 1.17 96.69
VNL 1.02 2.65 2.62 2.50 2.45 2.42 2.41 2.37 1.35 132.35
Table 3 shows that percent of retained peppermint oil in CL, CPL and VNL is 79.50%, 96.69% and 132.35% respectively. The maximum percent of oil is retained by VNL.
Table 4 Pine needle oil retention percentage in knitted fabrics after 30 minutes
Fabric Code Initial wt. (gm) Wt. of oil treated sample (gm) Wt. of oil treated sample at different interval Amount of retained oil (Final wt. – Initial wt.) (gm) Oil retention
(%)
15 sec (gm) 30 sec (gm) 60 sec (gm) 120 sec (gm) 300 sec (gm) 1800 sec (gm)
CL 1.58 3.94 3.76 3.63 3.55 2.95 2.73 2.69 1.11 70.25
CPL 1.22 2.65 2.54 2.49 2.45 2.41 2.36 2.29 1.06 86.88
VNL 1.07 2.43 2.38 2.34 2.30 2.28 2.25 2.19 1.12 104.67
Table 4 shows that percent of retained pine needle oil in CL, CPL, and VNL is 70.25%, 86.88% and 104.67% respectively. The maximum percent of oil is retained by VNL.
Table 5 Wintergreen oil retention percentage in knitted fabrics after 30 minutes
Fabric Code Initial wt. (gm) Wt. of oil treated sample (gm) Wt. of oil treated sample at different interval Amount of retained oil (Final wt. – Initial wt.) (gm) Oil retention
(%)
15 sec (gm) 30 sec (gm) 60 sec (gm) 120 sec (gm) 300 sec (gm) 1800 sec (gm)
CL 1.56 4.27 4.02 3.89 3.66 3.37 3.24 3.11 1.54 98.72
CPL 1.25 3.23 3.14 2.99 2.96 2.89 2.83 2.77 1.52 121.60
VNL 1.09 2.98 2.91 2.86 2.79 2.72 2.69 2.67 1.58 144.95
Table 5 shows that the percent of retained wintergreen oil in CL, CPL, and VNL is 98.72%, 121.60% and 144.95% respectively. The maximum percent of oil is retained by VNL.
The results from Table 2-5 show that the VNL fabric retained maximum amount of each essential oil in comparison to other two fabrics viz., CL and CPL.
Uptake of oil by knitted fabrics
Each of the selected essential oil has been applied on CL, CPL and VNL knitted fabrics at different concentrations. The oil uptake percentage of different treated knitted fabrics used in the study has been given in Tables 6-9.
Table 6: Camphor oil uptake percentage in knitted fabrics
Fabric Code Conc. (%) Initial weight (gm) Final weight (gm) Oil uptake (%)

CL 1 2.50 2.57 2.80
3 2.43 2.50 2.88
5 2.32 2.40 3.44
7 2.62 2.71 3.45
9 2.39 2.49 4.18

CPL 1 2.33 2.36 1.28
3 2.24 2.28 1.78
5 2.26 2.31 2.21
7 2.33 2.39 2.57
9 2.67 2.75 2.99

VNL 1 2.09 2.18 4.30
3 2.05 2.14 4.39
5 2.21 2.31 4.52
7 2.22 2.33 4.95
9 2.14 2.28 6.54
Results show that maximum camphor oil uptake percentage is in VNL fabric as compared to CL and CPL at every concentration.

Table 7: Peppermint oil uptake percentage in knitted fabrics
Fabric Code Conc. (%) Initial weight (gm) Final weight (gm) Oil uptake (%)

CL 1 2.43 2.49 2.46
3 2.37 2.43 2.53
5 2.49 2.58 3.61
7 2.58 2.68 3.87
9 2.53 2.69 6.32

CPL 1 2.38 2.42 1.68
3 2.29 2.33 1.74
5 2.24 2.29 2.23
7 2.26 2.32 2.65
9 2.35 2.44 3.82

VNL 1 2.43 2.52 3.70
3 2.36 2.48 5.08
5 1.96 2.08 6.12
7 1.86 2.04 9.67
9 2.16 2.46 13.88
Results show that maximum peppermint oil uptake percentage is in VNL fabric as compared to CL and CPL at every concentration.
Table 8: Pine needle oil uptake percentage in knitted fabrics
Fabric Code Conc. (%) Initial weight (gm) Final weight (gm) Oil uptake (%)

CL 1 2.51 2.56 1.99
3 2.51 2.57 2.39
5 2.49 2.55 2.40
7 2.47 2.54 2.83
9 2.50 2.58 3.20

CPL 1 2.41 2.45 1.65
3 2.30 2.34 1.74
5 2.29 2.34 2.18
7 2.27 2.33 2.64
9 2.50 2.57 2.80

VNL 1 2.07 2.22 7.24
3 1.94 2.09 7.73
5 1.95 2.12 8.71
7 2.12 2.33 9.90
9 2.11 2.34 10.90

Results show that maximum pine needle oil uptake percentage is in VNL fabric as compared to CL and CPL at every concentration.
Table 8: Wintergreen oil uptake percentage in knitted fabrics
Fabric Code Conc. (%) Initial weight Final weight Oil uptake (%)

CL 1 2.29 2.34 2.18
3 2.17 2.23 2.76
5 2.31 2.38 3.03
7 2.51 2.59 3.18
9 2.49 2.58 3.61

CPL 1 2.24 2.28 1.78
3 2.30 2.35 2.17
5 2.30 2.36 2.60
7 2.37 2.44 2.95
9 2.24 2.32 3.57

VNL 1 2.11 2.17 2.84
3 2.23 2.30 3.13
5 2.09 2.18 4.30
7 2.16 2.26 4.62
9 2.22 2.33 4.95
Results show that maximum pine needle oil uptake percentage is in VNL fabric as compared to CL and CPL at every concentration.
Thus, the maximum oil uptake for each essential oil is in VNL fabric as compared to CL and CPL at every concentration.
Effect of essential oil concentrations on physical properties of knitted fabrics
The fabrics of CL, CPL and VNL have been treated with each of the essential oils at five different concentrations of 1%, 3%, 5%, 7% and 9%. The change in stiffness, tearing strength, tensile strength, elongation and recovery and thermal resistance properties has been determined.
Effect of essential oil concentrations on stiffness of knitted fabrics
When the fabric is treated, the fabric hand is altered. Therefore, the changes in stiffness of the fabrics on application of essential oils is evaluated. Tables 9-11 show the effect of different concentration of essential oils on the stiffness of CL, CPL and VNL fabrics.
Stiffness of fabrics has been determined by the bending length. The more bending length, the more stiff the fabric is and vice versa. One-way ANOVA was applied to find out the effect of essential oil concentrations on the stiffness of the wale and course directions of the fabric. Data in Tables 9-11 reveals the effect of essential oils on the stiffness of knitted fabrics.
Table 9: Effect of essential oil concentrations on stiffness of CL fabric
Oil Conc. (%) Bending length (cm)
Wale wise Course wise Average Wale and Course
Control Sample 2.67 ± 0.040a 2.48 ± 0.050a 2.57

Camphor 1 2.96 ± 0.037b 2.61 ± 0.037b 2.78
3 3.08 ± 0.050c 2.67 ± 0.024b 2.87
5 3.16 ± 0.020d 2.79 ± 0.037c 2.97
7 3.20 ± 0.000d 2.81 ± 0.020c 3.00
9 3.23 ± 0.040d 2.90 ± 0.044d 2.95
F value 139.200S 66.857S
Control Sample 2.67 ± 0.040a 2.48 ± 0.050a 2.57

Peppermint 1 3.09 ± 0.037c 2.52 ± 0.050ab 2.80
3 3.12 ± 0.024c 2.58 ± 0.074abc 2.85
5 2.93 ± 0.024b 2.61 ± 0.048bc 2.77
7 3.19 ± 0.020d 2.65 ± 0.031c 2.92
9 3.19 ± 0.020d 2.67 ± 0.024c 2.93
F value 194.384S 8.870S
Oil Conc. (%) Bending length (cm)
Wale wise Course wise Average Wale and Course
Control Sample 2.67 ± 0.040a 2.48 ± 0.050a 2.57

Pine needle 1 3.02 ± 0.050b 2.48 ± 0.040a 2.75
3 3.04 ± 0.058b 2.57 ± 0.050ab 2.80
5 3.07 ± 0.040b 2.59 ± 0.037b 2.83
7 3.10 ± 0.031b 2.59 ± 0.037b 2.84
9 3.11 ± 0.020b 2.60 ± 0.031b 2.85
F value 62.438S 7.192S
Control Sample 2.67 ± 0.040a 2.48 ± 0.050a 2.57

Wintergreen 1 2.99 ± 0.058b 2.53 ± 0.024ab 2.76
3 3.01 ± 0.037b 2.57 ± 0.024bc 2.79
5 2.97 ± 0.102b 2.58 ± 0.024bc 2.77
7 3.02 ± 0.024b 2.62 ± 0.024c 2.82
9 3.03 ± 0.024b 2.63 ± 0.024c 2.83
F value 25.130S 13.614S

Table 10: Effect of essential oil concentrations on stiffness of CPL fabric
Oil Conc. (%) Bending length (cm)
Wale wise Course wise Average Wale and Course
Control Sample 2.00 ± 0.054a 1.59 ± 0.066a 1.79

Camphor 1 2.03 ± 0.024a 1.72 ± 0.050ab 1.87
3 2.04 ± 0.037a 1.73 ±0.050b 1.88
5 2.15 ± 0.089b 1.75 ± 0.011b 1.95
7 2.16 ± 0.037b 1.78 ± 0.024b 1.97
9 2.19 ± 0.020b 1.83 ± 0.024b 2.01
F value 10.557S 7.283S
Control Sample 2.00 ± 0.054a 1.59 ± 0.066a 1.79

Peppermint 1 2.14 ± 0.037b 1.71 ± 0.037b 1.92
3 2.15 ± 0.037bc 1.78 ± 0.024bc 1.96
5 2.27 ± 0.040cd 1.81 ± 0.037c 2.04
7 2.31 ± 0.020d 1.82 ± 0.040c 2.06
9 2.32 ± 0.024d 1.84 ± 0.020c 2.08
F value 42.829S 21.690S
Control Sample 2.00 ± 0.054a 1.59 ± 0.066a 1.79

Pine needle 1 2.12 ± 0.024b 1.72 ± 0.024b 1.92
3 2.16 ± 0.020bc 1.78 ± 0.024bc 1.97
5 2.22 ± 0.040cd 1.86 ± 0.031cd 2.04
7 2.24 ± 0.020d 1.90 ± 0.031d 2.07
9 2.29 ± 0.037d 1.93 ± 0.040d 2.11
F value 34.562S 40.667S
Control Sample 2.00 ± 0.054a 1.59 ± 0.066a 1.79

Wintergreen 1 2.20 ± 0.044b 1.78 ± 0.050b 1.99
3 2.25 ± 0.044bc 1.91 ± 0.058c 2.08
5 2.27 ± 0.024bcd 1.92 ± 0.040c 2.09
7 2.31 ± 0.020cd 1.94 ± 0.037c 2.12
9 2.35 ± 0.031d 2.00 ± 0.031c 2.17
F value 40.853S 37.111S

Table 11: Effect of essential oil concentrations on stiffness of VNL fabric
Oil Conc. (%) Bending length (cm)
Wale wise Course wise Average Wale and Course
Control Sample 1.39 ± 0.037a 1.16 ± 0.086a 1.27

Camphor 1 1.63 ± 0.024b 1.45 ± 0.031b 1.54
3 1.64 ± 0.020b 1.49 ± 0.037b 1.56
5 1.68 ± 0.024b 1.53 ± 0.024b 1.60
7 1.79 ± 0.037c 1.67 ± 0.040c 1.73
9 1.82 ± 0.024c 1.71 ± 0.058c 1.76
F value 112.400S 59.870S
Control Sample 1.39 ± 0.037a 1.16 ± 0.086a 1.27

Peppermint 1 1.81 ± 0.020b 1.71 ± 0.020b 1.76
3 1.88 ± 0.024c 1.77 ± 0.024bc 1.82
5 1.91 ± 0.020c 1.82 ± 0.024cd 1.86
7 1.93 ± 0.024cd 1.86 ± 0.020de 1.89
9 1.99 ± 0.037d 1.92 ± 0.024e 1.95
F value 237.683S 184.672S
Oil Conc. (%) Bending length (cm)
Wale wise Course wise Average Wale and Course
Control Sample 1.39 ± 0.037a 1.16 ± 0.086a 1.27

Pine needle 1 1.75 ± 0.031b 1.71 ± 0.048b 1.73
3 1.78 ± 0.024bc 1.74 ± 0.020b 1.76
5 1.82 ± 0.024c 1.77 ± 0.024bc 1.79
7 1.91 ± 0.020d 1.79 ± 0.020bc 1.85
9 1.94 ± 0.037d 1.85 ± 0.031c 1.89
F value 174.000S 127.239S
Control Sample 1.39 ± 0.037a 1.16 ± 0.086a 1.27

Wintergreen 1 1.79 ± 0.020b 1.68 ± 0.024b 1.73
3 1.84 ± 0.020bc 1.73 ± 0.024bc 1.78
5 1.88 ± 0.024cd 1.78 ± 0.024cd 1.83
7 1.93 ± 0.024de 1.83 ± 0.024de 1.88
9 1.98 ± 0.050e 1.88 ± 0.024e 1.93
F value 180.387S 159.385S
The results in Tables 9-11 show that in general, stiffness of each of the knitted fabrics has increased with the increase in the oil concentration.
Effect of essential oil concentrations on tensile strength of knitted fabrics
In tensile strength, breaking strength and breaking elongation is measured, where breaking strength is the force required to break a fabric when it is under tension (being pulled) and breaking elongation is the increase in length that has occurred when the fabric breaks. The effect of essential oils at five different concentrations on double jersey knitted fabrics are mentioned in Tables 12-14.
One-way ANOVA has been applied to find out the effect of essential oil concentrations on the breaking strength of the double jersey knitted fabrics in wale and course directions.
Table 12 Effect of different concentration of essential oils on tensile strength of CL knitted fabric

Essential oil
Conc. (%) Tensile strength
Wale wise Course wise
Load (kg) Elongation
(mm) Load (kg) Elongation (mm)
Control sample 64.6 ± 0.23a 365 ± 5.91 77.8 ± 0.86a 400 ± 0.29

Camphor 1 67.2 ± 0.49a 377 ± 4.72 81.3 ± 1.19ab 405 ± 9.83
3 71.3 ± 0.67b 395 ± 10.17 77.5 ± 1.82a 408 ± 1.80
5 76.7 ± 1.13c 412 ± 0.61 83.6 ± 0.18b 433 ± 4.46
7 75.2 ± 1.16c 397 ± 2.92 81.8 ± 1.68ab 407 ± 4.79
9 77.3 ± 1.30c 448 ± 5.27 84.7 ± 1.62b 456 ± 5.37
F value 65.249S 9.488S
Control sample 64.6 ± 0.23a 365 ± 5.91 77.8 ± 0.86a 400 ± 0.29

Peppermint 1 65.4 ± 1.39a 381 ± 7.84 81.8 ±0.61bc 425 ± 4.06
3 66.4 ± 1.03a 395 ± 8.14 79.4 ± 0.24ab 437 ± 3.85
5 77.8 ± 0.28b 406 ± 3.28 82.9 ± 0.18c 399 ± 0.88
7 76.2 ± 2.75b 397 ± 3.50 78.4 ± 1.79a 445 ± 1.63
9 77.6 ± 1.83b 415 ± 2.14 79.8 ± 0.18ab 454 ± 5.01
F value 35.768S 10.535S
Control sample 64.6 ± 0.23a 365 ± 5.91 77.8 ± 0.86a 400 ± 0.29

Pine needle 1 68.3 ± 1.80ab 379 ± 3.90 80.7 ± 0.06a 405 ± 1.78
3 71.4 ± 1.52bc 385 ± 6.80 77.8 ± 2.57a 407 ± 5.99
5 77.3 ± 1.42c 404 ± 3.27 83.1 ± 0.18a 436 ± 2.56
7 75.8 ± 0.39cd 386 ± 6.01 80.9 ± 1.79a 413 ± 0.91
9 78.4 ± 1.62d 432 ± 5.72 81.7 ± 0.17a 446 ± 2.62
F value 34.479S 2.134NS
Control sample 64.6 ± 0.23a 365 ± 5.91 77.8 ± 0.86a 400 ± 0.29

Wintergreen 1 65.2 ± 1.49a 376 ± 2.49 85.9 ± 2.65b 418 ± 5.23
3 66.0 ± 1.89a 383 ± 2.82 87.2 ± 2.75b 421 ± 2.17
5 76.4 ±2.14b 395 ± 5.81 89.4 ± 2.96b 457 ± 2.01
7 74.7 ±1.53b 387 ± 6.54 87.7 ± 2.97b 434 ± 3.19
9 80.3 ± 2.59b 428 ± 8.81 88.8 ± 0.95b 449 ± 3.30
F value 28.058S 6.423S

Table 13 Effect of different concentration of essential oils on tensile strength of CPL knitted fabric

Essential oil
Conc. (%) Tensile strength
Wale wise Course wise
Load (kg) Elongation (mm) Load (kg) Elongation (mm)
Control sample 49.6 ± 1.25a 546 ± 1.60 43.7 ± 1.28ab 515 ± 4.32

Camphor 1 51.2 ± 0.15ab 557 ± 2.16 43.9 ± 1.15ab 596 ± 6.37
3 51.6 ± 0.72ab 568 ± 6.27 44.2 ± 0.65ab 601 ± 4.87
5 50.3 ± 1.29ab 555 ± 5.71 42.6 ± 1.00a 598 ± 3.51
7 53.2 ± 1.75ab 571 ± 5.04 45.5 ± 0.47ab 614 ± 2.25
9 53.8 ± 1.34b 576 ± 0.84 46.3 ± 1.05b 617 ± 0.90
F value 3.669S 3.692S
Control sample 49.6 ± 1.25a 546 ± 1.60 43.7 ± 1.28b 515 ± 4.32

Peppermint 1 51.6 ± 0.98ab 562 ± 0.41 44.2 ± 1.12b 604 ± 5.78
3 52.4 ± 0.96ab 564 ± 3.31 44.6 ± 1.38b 618 ± 6.82
5 51.8 ± 0.61ab 553 ± 3.25 38.9 ± 0.54a 602 ± 5.76
7 54.3 ± 0.79b 560 ± 3.29 45.3 ± 0.40b 623 ± 5.49
9 54.7 ± 0.45b 563 ± 4.97 46.7 ± 0.58b 628 ± 6.00
F value 5.852S 15.174S
Control sample 49.6 ± 1.25a 546 ± 1.60 43.7 ± 1.28a 515 ± 4.32

Pine needle 1 51.4 ± 1.74ab 553 ± 6.91 44.1 ± 0.71a 593 ± 5.24
3 52.7 ± 1.51ab 565 ± 3.73 44.5 ± 0.61a 621 ± 2.73
5 51.8 ± 1.79ab 559 ± 5.75 43.6 ± 1.34a 615 ± 2.71
7 53.4 ± 0.38ab 566 ± 4.15 46.7 ± 1.58a 623 ± 5.49
9 55.2 ± 1.86b 573 ± 9.69 47.2 ± 0.93a 627 ± 2.30
F value 3.173S 3.857S
Control sample 49.6 ± 1.25a 546 ± 1.60 43.7 ± 1.28a 515 ± 4.32

Wintergreen 1 52.4 ±1.28ab 547 ± 6.04 44.8 ± 0.52ab 622 ± 3.20
3 52.8 ± 1.36ab 550 ± 10.92 45.1 ± 0.22ab 625 ± 5.05
5 51.7 ± 0.91a 543 ± 4.39 42.6 ± 1.31a 603 ± 6.65
7 53.2 ± 1.72ab 562 ± 8.27 47.2 ± 0.89b 625 ± 7.36
9 56.3 ± 0.67b 576 ± 2.12 51.8 ± 0.84c 634 ± 3.26
F value 6.172S 24.852S
Table 14 Effect of different concentration of essential oils on tensile strength of VNL knitted fabric

Essential oil
Conc. (%) Tensile strength
Wale wise
Load (kg) Elongation (mm)
Control sample 58.2 ± 1.71a 443 ± 2.60

Camphor 1 58.7 ± 0.90ab 462 ± 5.09
3 62.5 ± 0.23b 468 ± 2.75
5 68.3 ± 2.30c 484 ± 3.20
7 68.9 ± 0.45cd 505 ± 0.37
9 72.8 ± 0.21d 511 ± 2.25
F value 45.996S
Control sample 58.2 ± 1.71a 443 ± 2.60

Peppermint 1 58.4 ± 1.46a 459 ± 1.34
3 61.6 ± 1.71a 463 ± 1.02
5 66.7 ± 1.37b 491 ± 6.50
7 68.2 ± 1.95b 498 ± 3.29
9 71.1 ± 0.15b 503 ± 5.55
F value 25.568S
Control sample 58.2 ± 1.71a 443 ± 2.60

Pine needle 1 59.3 ± 1.61a 465 ± 1.02
3 62.4 ± 0.27a 465 ± 2.73
5 67.2 ± 0.44b 497 ± 5.85
7 68.6 ± 1.45b 501 ± 4.79
9 71.2 ± 1.67b 505 ± 0.37
F value 31.452S
Control sample 58.2 ± 1.71a 443 ± 2.60

Wintergreen 1 60.8 ± 0.05ab 472 ± 5.21
3 61.2 ± 1.17ab 476 ± 0.69
5 63.4 ± 1.96c 490 ± 3.96
7 65.7 ± 0.92c 515 ± 4.17
9 74.6 ± 1.70d 537 ± 2.37
F value 33.362S
Strength plays very important role for any material, in terms of durability and serviceability. The results in Tables 12-14 shows that the tensile strength increases with the increase in concentration of essential oils in general.
However, in case of CL fabric at 7% concentration, a slight decrease in breaking strength has been observed in all oils in both wale and course directions. Similarly, in CPL fabric at 5% concentration slight decrease has been noted in wale and course directions of all oils.
In case of course wise direction of VNL fabric, the fabric did not break under tension after reaching the maximum length of the tensile tester.
Effect of essential oil concentrations on tearing strength of knitted fabrics
Tear strength is a measure of how well a material can withstand the effects of tearing. More especially, it is how well a material resists the growth of any cuts when under tension. The tearing strength of CL, CPL and VNL knitted fabrics has been given in Table 15.
Table 15: Tearing strength of knitted fabrics
Fabric Code Tearing strength (gm)
Wale wise Course wise
CL 4480 ± 0.02 4352 ± 0.01
CPL 3840 ± 0.07 3712 ± 0.02
VNL 4672 ± 0.04 4480 ± 0.06
The treated knitted fabrics at all essential oil concentrations did not show any result as the fabric did not tear. In case of untreated knitted fabrics, CPL has the lowest tearing strength of 3840 gm in wale direction and 3712 gm in course direction. The tearing strength of untreated CL fabric was calculated as 4352 gm and 4480 gm in course and wale directions, respectively. The VNL untreated fabric tearing strength was noted 4672 gm in wale direction and 4480 gm in course direction.
Effect of essential oil concentrations on elongation and recovery of fabrics
The fabric’s extensibility is among one of the major factors that influence the stability, appearance and fit of a garment at low stress level. Dimensional stability and shape retention plays major role in compression garment, therefore, the effect of 2kg load on extension property of essential oil treated fabrics at the concentration of 1%, 3%, 5%, 7% and 9% has been studied at different time intervals (immediate, 1 hour, 12 hour, 24 hour, 36 hour and 48 hour). Tables 16-18 show data on elongation of essential oil treated fabrics and Tables 19-21 show data on elongation recovery of essential oil treated knitted fabrics.
Table 16: Effect of concentration of essential oils on elongation of CL fabric
Essential oil Conc. (%) Elongation (%)
Immediate After 1 hour After 12 hour After 24 hour After 36 hour After 48 hour

Control sample Wale 146.8 150.0 153.1 153.1 153.1 153.1
Course 140.6 143.7 146.8 146.8 146.8 146.8
Average 143.7 146.8 149.9 149.9 149.9 149.9

Camphor
1 Wale 146.8 150.0 153.1 153.1 153.1 153.1
Course 140.6 143.7 146.8 146.8 146.8 146.8
Average 143.7 146.8 149.9 149.9 149.9 149.9

3 Wale 146.8 150.0 153.1 153.1 153.1 153.1
Course 140.6 143.7 146.8 146.8 146.8 146.8
Average 143.7 146.8 149.9 149.9 149.9 149.9

5 Wale 146.3 146.8 150.0 150.0 150.0 150.0
Course 137.8 140.6 143.7 143.7 143.7 143.7
Average 142.1 143.7 146.8 146.8 146.8 146.8

7 Wale 143.8 146.3 146.8 150.0 150.0 150.0
Course 137.5 137.8 140.6 143.7 143.7 143.7
Average 140.7 142.1 143.7 146.8 146.8 146.8

9 Wale 140.6 143.8 146.9 146.9 146.9 146.9
Course 134.0 137.5 140.6 140.6 140.6 140.6
Average 137.3 140.7 143.8 143.8 143.8 143.8

Peppermint

1 Wale 146.8 150.0 153.1 153.1 153.1 153.1
Course 140.6 143.7 146.8 146.8 146.8 146.8
Average 143.7 146.8 149.9 149.9 149.9 149.9

3 Wale 146.8 150.0 153.1 153.1 153.1 153.1
Course 140.6 143.7 146.8 146.8 146.8 146.8
Average 143.7 146.8 149.9 149.9 149.9 149.9

5 Wale 146.3 146.8 150.0 150.0 150.0 150.0
Course 137.8 140.6 143.7 143.7 143.7 143.7
Average 142.1 143.7 146.8 146.8 146.8 146.8

7 Wale 143.8 150.0 146.9 146.9 146.9 146.9
Course 137.5 137.5 143.8 143.8 143.8 143.8
Average 140.7 143.8 145.4 145.4 145.4 145.4

9 Wale 140.6 146.3 146.8 146.8 146.8 146.8
Course 134.4 137.8 140.6 140.6 140.6 140.6
Average 137.5 142.1 143.7 143.7 143.7 143.7

Pine needle
1 Wale 146.8 150.0 153.1 153.1 153.1 153.1
Course 140.6 143.7 146.8 146.8 146.8 146.8
Average 143.7 146.8 149.9 149.9 149.9 149.9

3 Wale 146.8 150.0 153.1 153.1 153.1 153.1
Course 140.6 143.7 146.8 146.8 146.8 146.8
Average 143.7 146.8 149.9 149.9 149.9 149.9

5 Wale 143.8 145.9 152.5 152.5 152.5 152.5
Course 137.5 140.0 142.5 142.5 142.5 142.5
Average 140.7 142.9 147.5 147.5 147.5 147.5

7 Wale 142.5 146.7 149.2 149.2 149.2 149.2
Course 135.6 137.4 139.1 139.1 139.1 139.1
Average 139.1 142.1 144.2 144.2 144.2 144.2

9 Wale 140.2 143.7 145.3 145.3 145.3 145.3
Course 132.6 134.9 136.4 136.4 136.4 136.4
Average 136.4 139.3 140.9 140.9 140.9 140.9

Wintergreen
1 Wale 146.8 150.0 153.1 153.1 153.1 153.1
Course 140.6 143.7 146.8 146.8 146.8 146.8
Average 143.7 146.8 149.9 149.9 149.9 149.9

3 Wale 146.8 150.0 153.1 153.1 153.1 153.1
Course 140.6 143.7 146.8 146.8 146.8 146.8
Average 143.7 146.8 149.9 149.9 149.9 149.9

5 Wale 144.2 146.7 150.8 150.8 150.8 150.8
Course 137.2 139.8 142.6 142.6 142.6 142.6
Average 140.7 143.3 146.7 146.7 146.7 146.7

7 Wale 142.6 145.1 148.6 148.6 148.6 148.6
Course 135.8 137.2 139.7 139.7 139.7 139.7
Average 139.2 141.2 144.2 144.2 144.2 144.2

9 Wale 141.5 143.7 146.2 146.2 146.2 146.2
Course 132.9 135.4 138.2 138.2 138.2 138.2
Average 137.2 139.6 142.2 142.2 142.2 142.2

Table 17: Effect of concentration of essential oils on elongation of CPL fabric
Essential oil Conc. (%) Elongation (%)
Immediate After 1 hour After 12 hour After 24 hour After 36 hour After 48 hour

Control sample Wale 159.3 162.5 165.6 168.7 168.7 168.7
Course 156.2 159.3 181.2 187.5 187.5 187.5
Average 157.8 160.9 173.4 178.1 178.1 178.1

Camphor
1 Wale 159.3 162.5 165.6 168.7 168.7 168.7
Course 156.2 159.3 181.2 187.5 187.5 187.5
Average 157.8 160.9 173.4 178.1 178.1 178.1

3 Wale 158.6 162.0 164.2 167.3 167.3 167.3
Course 155.4 158.5 180.6 186.7 186.7 186.7
Average 157.0 160.2 172.4 177.0 177.0 177.0

5 Wale 157.9 161.1 163.8 165.2 165.2 165.2
Course 154.7 157.2 179.3 185.8 185.8 185.8
Average 156.3 159.2 171.6 175.5 175.5 175.5

7
Wale 155.2 157.8 161.3 162.1 162.1 162.1
Course 153.8 156.2 177.5 183.2 183.2 183.2
Average 154.5 157 169.4 172.7 172.7 172.7

9 Wale 154.1 156.2 159.8 161.9 161.9 161.9
Course 152.7 154.9 176.2 181.5 181.5 181.5
Average 153.4 155.6 168 171.7 171.7 171.7

Peppermint
1 Wale 159.3 162.5 165.6 168.7 168.7 168.7
Course 156.2 159.3 181.2 187.5 187.5 187.5
Average 157.8 160.9 173.4 178.1 178.1 178.1

3 Wale 158.2 161.7 164.8 167.2 167.2 167.2
Course 155.4 158.6 180.8 186.7 186.7 186.7
Average 156.8 160.2 172.8 176.9 176.9 176.9

5 Wale 156.9 160.2 163.5 165.7 165.7 165.7
Course 154.2 157.6 179.3 185.5 185.5 185.5
Average 155.6 158.9 171.4 175.6 175.6 175.6

7 Wale 155.2 158.7 161.2 163.6 163.6 163.6
Course 152.9 155.7 177.2 183.1 183.1 183.1
Average 154.1 157.2 169.2 173.4 173.4 173.4

9 Wale 154.9 157.2 160.7 161.2 161.2 161.2
Course 151.3 153.6 175.4 179.4 179.4 179.4
Average 153.1 155.4 168.1 170.3 170.3 170.3

Pine needle
1 Wale 159.3 162.5 165.6 168.7 168.7 168.7
Course 156.2 159.3 181.2 187.5 187.5 187.5
Average 157.8 160.9 173.4 178.1 178.1 178.1

3 Wale 159.3 162.5 165.6 168.7 168.7 168.7
Course 155.7 158.1 180.7 186.2 186.2 186.2
Average 157.5 160.3 173.2 177.5 177.5 177.5

5 Wale 158.7 160.8 164.3 166.9 166.9 166.9
Course 153.9 156.2 179.2 184.8 184.8 184.8
Average 156.3 158.5 171.8 175.9 175.9 175.9

7 Wale 154.5 158.2 163.4 165.1 165.1 165.1
Course 152.2 153.6 176.9 182.3 182.3 182.3
Average 153.4 155.9 170.2 173.7 173.7 173.7

9 Wale 153.1 157.3 161.9 164.2 164.2 164.2
Course 150.7 151.3 174.2 179.6 179.6 179.6
Average 151.9 154.3 168.1 171.9 171.9 171.9

Wintergreen
1 Wale 159.3 162.5 165.6 168.7 168.7 168.7
Course 156.2 159.3 181.2 187.5 187.5 187.5
Average 157.8 160.9 173.4 178.1 178.1 178.1

3 Wale 158.2 161.9 164.2 167.6 167.6 167.6
Course 155.4 158.3 180.7 186.2 186.2 186.2
Average 156.8 160.1 172.5 176.9 176.9 176.9

5 Wale 156.6 158.9 163.7 165.2 165.2 165.2
Course 153.2 156.8 178.4 184.5 184.5 184.5
Average 154.9 157.9 171.1 174.9 174.9 174.9

7 Wale 155.7 156.2 162.8 164.1 164.1 164.1
Course 152.6 155.3 176.9 181.3 181.3 181.3
Average 154.2 155.8 169.9 172.7 172.7 172.7

9 Wale 152.4 155.7 160.5 162.8 162.8 162.8
Course 150.2 153.4 174.6 179.3 179.3 179.3
Average 151.3 154.6 167.6 171.1 171.1 171.1
Table 18: Effect of concentration of essential oils on elongation of VNL fabric

Essential oil Conc. (%) Elongation (%)
Immediate After 1 hour After 12 hour After 24 hour After 36 hour After 48 hour

Control sample Wale 181.2 187.5 193.7 200 200 200
Course 178.1 181.2 184.3 187.5 187.5 187.5
Average 179.6 184.3 189.0 193.8 193.8 193.8

Camphor
1 Wale 181.2 187.5 193.7 200 200 200
Course 178.1 181.2 184.3 187.5 187.5 187.5
Average 179.6 184.3 189.0 193.8 193.8 193.8

3 Wale 180.7 186.9 192.3 198.5 198.5 198.5
Course 177.5 180.4 183.1 186.8 186.8 186.8
Average 179.1 183.7 187.7 192.7 192.7 192.7

5 Wale 179.4 185.1 190.6 196.3 196.3 196.3
Course 175.7 178.8 181.6 185.7 185.7 185.7
Average 177.6 181.9 186.1 191.0 191.0 191.0

7
Wale 178.6 183.6 189.3 195.7 195.7 195.7
Course 174.2 177.1 180.7 184.9 184.9 184.9
Average 176.4 180.4 185.0 190.3 190.3 190.3

9 Wale 175.4 181.1 185.7 193.2 193.2 193.2
Course 172.4 175.6 178.5 183.8 183.8 183.8
Average 173.9 178.4 182.1 188.5 188.5 188.5

Peppermint
1 Wale 181.2 187.5 193.7 200 200 200
Course 178.1 181.2 184.3 187.5 187.5 187.5
Average 179.6 184.3 189.0 193.8 193.8 193.8

3 Wale 180.5 186.3 192.4 199.6 199.6 199.6
Course 177.4 180.3 183.1 185.9 185.9 185.9
Average 178.9 183.3 187.8 192.7 192.7 192.7

5 Wale 178.3 184.8 190.5 197.2 197.2 197.2
Course 175.7 178.4 181.6 183.2 183.2 183.2
Average 177.0 181.6 186.1 190.2 190.2 190.2

7 Wale 176.2 183.1 188.7 195.4 195.4 195.4
Course 173.8 175.9 178.6 181.7 181.7 181.7
Average 175.0 179.5 183.7 188.6 188.6 188.6

9 Wale 173.8 181.4 186.2 194.1 194.1 194.1
Course 170.4 173.2 176.8 178.3 178.3 178.3
Average 172.1 177.3 181.5 186.2 186.2 186.2

Pine needle
1 Wale 181.2 187.5 193.7 200 200 200
Course 178.1 181.2 184.3 187.5 187.5 187.5
Average 179.6 184.3 189.0 193.8 193.8 193.8

3 Wale 180.6 185.9 192.2 199.1 199.1 199.1
Course 176.8 180.4 183.7 185.2 185.2 185.2
Average 178.7 183.2 187.9 192.2 192.2 192.2

5 Wale 178.2 182.6 190.5 197.8 197.8 197.8
Course 174.3 178.7 181.2 183.6 183.6 183.6
Average 176.3 180.7 185.9 190.7 190.7 190.7

7 Wale 177.5 180.9 188.6 196.2 196.2 196.2
Course 173.7 177.1 179.3 182.5 182.5 182.5
Average 175.6 179.0 183.9 189.4 189.4 189.4

9 Wale 175.7 178.1 185.4 193.8 193.8 193.8
Course 172.2 175.6 176.9 179.4 179.4 179.4
Average 173.9 176.9 181.2 186.6 186.6 186.6

Wintergreen
1 Wale 181.2 187.5 193.7 200 200 200
Course 178.1 181.2 184.3 187.5 187.5 187.5
Average 179.6 184.3 189.0 193.75 193.75 193.75

3 Wale 180.2 185.8 192.1 198.6 198.6 198.6
Course 176.5 179.7 182.6 185.2 185.2 185.2
Average 178.4 182.3 187.4 191.9 191.9 191.9

5 Wale 177.4 181.3 189.2 196.9 196.9 196.9
Course 174.6 176.8 179.3 183.6 183.6 183.6
Average 176.0 179.1 184.3 190.3 190.3 190.3

7 Wale 177.1 180.6 188.7 196.1 196.1 196.1
Course 172.8 174.2 178.4 181.7 181.7 181.7
Average 175.0 177.4 183.5 188.9 188.9 188.9

9 Wale 175.6 178.7 186.2 194.5 194.5 194.5
Course 170.6 172.8 175.9 179.3 179.3 179.3
Average 173.1 175.8 181.1 186.9 186.9 186.9

Table 16 show the data on the effect of essential oil concentrations on the elongation of CL fabric. The results were similar for all four essential oil concentrations. The CL fabric showed similar results till 3% concentration in all four essential oils. The CL fabric elongation reduces after 5% essential oil concentration and after that it reduces with the increase in essential oil concentration. Along with this, it was also noted that the fabrics elongated till 12 hours and did not elongate more after 12 hours.
The essential oil concentrations effect on the elongation of CPL fabric as shown in Table 17 reveals that the elongation of control as well as 1% concentration essential oil treated fabric samples showed similar results and from 3% concentration the decrease in fabric elongation was observed with the increase in essential oil concentration. The finding also showed that the fabric did not elongate after 24 hour in case of all treated as well as control sample. The VNL fabric finding, as shown in Table 18 for the effect of essential oil concentration on elongation was similar to the finding of CPL fabric.
Table 19: Effect of concentration of essential oils on elongation recovery of CL
Essential oil Conc. (%) Recovery (%)
Immediate After 1 hour After 12 hour After 24 hour After 36 hour After 48 hour

Control sample Wale 77.5 75.5 73.4 73.4 73.4 73.4
Course 78.7 76.6 74.4 74.4 74.4 74.4
Average 78.1 76.1 73.9 73.9 73.9 73.9

Camphor
1 Wale 77.5 75.5 73.4 73.4 73.4 73.4
Course 78.7 76.6 74.4 74.4 74.4 74.4
Average 78.1 76.1 73.9 73.9 73.9 73.9

3 Wale 77.5 75.5 73.4 73.4 73.4 73.4
Course 78.7 76.6 74.4 74.4 74.4 74.4
Average 78.1 76.1 73.9 73.9 73.9 73.9

5 Wale 75.2 73.1 71.6 71.6 71.6 71.6
Course 76.5 74.3 72.0 72.0 72.0 72.0
Average 75.9 73.7 71.8 71.8 71.8 71.8

7
Wale 74.8 72.5 70.3 70.3 70.3 70.3
Course 75.3 72.9 71.6 71.6 71.6 71.6
Average 75.1 72.7 70.9 70.9 70.9 70.9

9 Wale 72.4 70.6 68.9 68.9 68.9 68.9
Course 73.7 70.2 68.5 68.5 68.5 68.5
Average 73.1 70.4 68.7 68.7 68.7 68.7

Peppermint
1 Wale 77.5 75.5 73.4 73.4 73.4 73.4
Course 78.7 76.6 74.4 74.4 74.4 74.4
Average 78.1 76.1 73.9 73.9 73.9 73.9

3 Wale 77.5 75.5 73.4 73.4 73.4 73.4
Course 78.7 76.6 74.4 74.4 74.4 74.4
Average 78.1 76.1 73.9 73.9 73.9 73.9

5 Wale 75.8 74.9 72.6 72.6 72.6 72.6
Course 76.5 74.3 72.6 72.6 72.6 72.6
Average 76.2 74.6 72.6 72.6 72.6 72.6

7 Wale 74.3 73.6 71.2 71.2 71.2 71.2
Course 74.7 73.1 70.8 70.8 70.8 70.8
Average 74.5 73.4 71.0 71.0 71.0 71.0

9 Wale 72.3 71.1 69.4 69.4 69.4 69.4
Course 72.1 71.6 68.3 68.3 68.3 68.3
Average 72.2 71.4 68.9 68.9 68.9 68.9

Pine needle
1 Wale 77.5 75.5 73.4 73.4 73.4 73.4
Course 78.7 76.6 74.4 74.4 74.4 74.4
Average 78.1 76.1 73.9 73.9 73.9 73.9

3 Wale 77.5 75.5 73.4 73.4 73.4 73.4
Course 78.7 76.6 74.4 74.4 74.4 74.4
Average 78.1 76.1 73.9 73.9 73.9 73.9

5 Wale 74.3 73.1 71.7 71.7 71.7 71.7
Course 76.5 74.2 72.9 72.9 72.9 72.9
Average 75.4 73.7 72.3 72.3 72.3 72.3

7 Wale 72.6 71.9 69.6 69.6 69.6 69.6
Course 74.3 72.5 71.2 71.2 71.2 71.2
Average 73.5 72.2 70.4 70.4 70.4 70.4

9 Wale 70.8 69.3 68.1 68.1 68.1 68.1
Course 72.6 70.7 69.7 69.7 69.7 69.7
Average 71.7 70.0 68.9 68.9 68.9 68.9

Wintergreen
1 Wale 77.5 75.5 73.4 73.4 73.4 73.4
Course 78.7 76.6 74.4 74.4 74.4 74.4
Average 78.1 76.1 73.9 73.9 73.9 73.9

3 Wale 77.5 75.5 73.4 73.4 73.4 73.4
Course 78.7 76.6 74.4 74.4 74.4 74.4
Average 78.1 76.1 73.9 73.9 73.9 73.9

5 Wale 75.4 73.2 71.1 71.1 71.1 71.1
Course 76.3 74.5 72.6 72.6 72.6 72.6
Average 75.9 73.9 71.8 71.8 71.8 71.8

7 Wale 73.9 71.8 69.7 69.7 69.7 69.7
Course 74.5 72.1 70.3 70.3 70.3 70.3
Average 74.2 71.9 70.0 70.0 70.0 70.0

9 Wale 71.2 69.3 67.1 67.1 67.1 67.1
Course 71.6 70.2 67.8 67.8 67.8 67.8
Average 71.4 69.8 67.5 67.5 67.5 67.5

Table 20: Effect of concentration of essential oils on elongation recovery of CPL
Essential oil Conc. (%) Recovery (%)
Immediate After 1 hour After 12 hour After 24 hour After 36 hour After 48 hour

Control sample Wale 68.5 66.7 62.9 61.1 61.1 61.1
Course 70.0 66.7 64.3 63.5 63.5 63.5
Average 69.3 66.7 63.6 62.3 62.3 62.3

Camphor
1 Wale 68.5 66.7 62.9 61.1 61.1 61.1
Course 70.0 66.7 64.3 63.5 63.5 63.5
Average 69.3 66.7 63.6 62.3 62.3 62.3

3 Wale 67.3 65.2 61.6 60.2 60.2 60.2
Course 68.9 65.1 62.5 61.4 61.4 61.4
Average 68.1 65.2 62.1 60.8 60.8 60.8

5 Wale 65.6 63.9 60.4 59.4 59.4 59.4
Course 66.2 64.1 61.7 60.0 60.0 60.0
Average 65.9 64.0 61.1 59.7 59.7 59.7

7
Wale 64.2 62.7 59.6 58.1 58.1 58.1
Course 65.8 63.6 60.2 59.3 59.3 59.3
Average 65.0 63.2 59.9 58.7 58.7 58.7

9 Wale 62.7 61.3 57.3 56.8 56.8 56.8
Course 64.2 61.7 58.6 57.4 57.4 57.4
Average 63.5 61.5 57.9 57.1 57.1 57.1

Peppermint
1 Wale 68.5 66.7 62.9 61.1 61.1 61.1
Course 70.0 66.7 64.3 63.5 63.5 63.5
Average 69.3 66.7 63.6 62.3 62.3 62.3

3 Wale 67.2 65.1 62.3 60.7 60.7 60.7
Course 68.9 66.2 63.7 62.4 62.4 62.4
Average 68.1 65.7 63.0 61.6 61.6 61.6

5 Wale 66.2 64.3 61.0 58.9 58.9 58.9
Course 67.5 65.1 62.8 61.3 61.3 61.3
Average 66.9 64.7 61.9 60.1 60.1 60.1

7 Wale 64.6 62.7 59.1 56.3 56.3 56.3
Course 65.4 63.2 61.6 60.5 60.5 60.5
Average 65.0 62.9 60.3 58.4 58.4 58.4

9 Wale 63.9 61.2 58.6 54.7 54.7 54.7
Course 64.3 62.9 60.4 58.6 58.6 58.6
Average 64.1 62.0 59.5 56.6 56.6 56.6

Pine needle
1 Wale 68.5 66.7 62.9 61.1 61.1 61.1
Course 70.0 66.7 64.3 63.5 63.5 63.5
Average 69.3 66.7 63.6 62.3 62.3 62.3

3 Wale 66.4 64.3 60.7 59.2 59.2 59.2
Course 68.5 64.3 62.8 61.4 61.4 61.4
Average 67.5 64.3 61.8 60.3 60.3 60.3

5 Wale 64.6 62.9 58.6 57.3 57.3 57.3
Course 66.4 63.7 60.6 59.2 59.2 59.2
Average 65.5 63.3 59.6 58.3 58.3 58.3

7 Wale 62.8 61.3 57.0 55.7 55.7 55.7
Course 64.1 62.6 58.9 57.5 57.5 57.5
Average 63.5 61.9 57.9 56.6 56.6 56.6

9 Wale 60.3 59.2 54.6 52.9 52.9 52.9
Course 64.6 60.0 57.1 55.3 55.3 55.3
Average 62.4 59.6 55.8 54.1 54.1 54.1

Wintergreen
1 Wale 68.5 66.7 62.9 61.1 61.1 61.1
Course 70.0 66.7 64.3 63.5 63.5 63.5
Average 69.3 66.7 63.6 62.3 62.3 62.3

3 Wale 67.6 65.2 61.5 60.7 60.7 60.7
Course 68.9 65.4 63.0 62.1 62.1 62.1
Average 68.2 65.3 62.2 61.4 61.4 61.4

5 Wale 65.2 62.8 60.1 59.2 59.2 59.2
Course 67.5 64.9 61.9 60.8 60.8 60.8
Average 66.3 63.8 61.0 60.0 60.0 60.0

7 Wale 63.7 61.6 58.6 56.7 56.7 56.7
Course 65.4 62.2 59.2 58.5 58.5 58.5
Average 64.5 61.9 58.9 57.6 57.6 57.6

9 Wale 61.9 60.0 56.3 53.8 53.8 53.8
Course 64.2 60.8 57.2 55.6 55.6 55.6
Average 63.1 60.4 56.8 54.7 54.7 54.7

Table 21: Effect of concentration of essential oils on elongation recovery of VNL
Essential oil Conc. (%) Recovery (%)
Immediate After 1 hour After 12 hour After 24 hour After 36 hour After 48 hour

Control sample Wale 73.4 71.9 67.2 64.1 64.1 64.1
Course 69.3 64.5 62.3 61.2 61.2 61.2
Average 71.4 68.2 64.8 62.7 62.7 62.7

Camphor
1 Wale 73.4 71.9 67.2 64.1 64.1 64.1
Course 69.3 64.5 62.3 61.2 61.2 61.2
Average 71.4 68.2 64.8 62.7 62.7 62.7

3 Wale 72.6 70.1 65.9 62.7 62.7 62.7
Course 68.8 63.2 61.6 60.0 60.0 60.0
Average 70.7 66.6 63.7 61.3 61.3 61.3

5 Wale 71.3 68.9 64.2 60.8 60.8 60.8
Course 67.2 61.3 60.5 58.6 58.6 58.6
Average 69.2 65.1 62.3 59.7 59.7 59.7

7
Wale 69.7 67.2 63.6 58.3 58.3 58.3
Course 65.4 59.6 58.1 57.2 57.2 57.2
Average 67.5 63.4 60.9 57.8 57.8 57.8

9 Wale 68.6 65.9 62.5 57.1 57.1 57.1
Course 64.3 58.2 56.7 54.9 54.9 54.9
Average 66.5 62.1 59.6 56.0 56.0 56.0

Peppermint
1 Wale 73.4 71.9 67.2 64.1 64.1 64.1
Course 69.3 64.5 62.3 61.2 61.2 61.2
Average 71.4 68.2 64.8 62.7 62.7 62.7

3 Wale 72.9 70.4 66.2 63.8 63.8 63.8
Course 68.6 63.7 61.1 59.7 59.7 59.7
Average 70.8 67.1 63.7 61.8 61.8 61.8

5 Wale 70.5 67.9 64.3 61.7 61.7 61.7
Course 66.2 60.7 58.6 57.2 57.2 57.2
Average 68.4 64.3 61.5 59.4 59.4 59.4

7 Wale 68.9 67.1 62.7 59.8 59.8 59.8
Course 65.3 59.6 57.5 55.7 55.7 55.7
Average 67.1 63.4 60.1 57.7 57.7 57.7

9 Wale 66.2 65.6 60.1 57.3 57.3 57.3
Course 64.1 57.8 55.6 53.2 53.2 53.2
Average 65.2 61.7 57.9 55.3 55.3 55.3

Pine needle
1 Wale 73.4 71.9 67.2 64.1 64.1 64.1
Course 69.3 64.5 62.3 61.2 61.2 61.2
Average 71.4 68.2 64.8 62.7 62.7 62.7

3 Wale 71.8 70.3 65.6 63.2 63.2 63.2
Course 68.3 62.9 61.0 59.8 59.8 59.8
Average 70.1 66.6 63.3 61.5 61.5 61.5

5 Wale 68.7 68.2 64.5 61.3 61.3 61.3
Course 66.3 61.2 58.6 57.5 57.5 57.5
Average 67.5 64.7 61.6 59.4 59.4 59.4

7 Wale 67.2 66.3 61.7 60.4 60.4 60.4
Course 64.7 59.6 57.1 55.8 55.8 55.8
Average 65.9 62.9 59.4 58.1 58.1 58.1

9 Wale 65.3 64.9 59.2 57.8 57.8 57.8
Course 62.7 57.6 54.2 53.6 53.6 53.6
Average 64.0 61.3 56.7 55.7 55.7 55.7

Wintergreen
1 Wale 73.4 71.9 67.2 64.1 64.1 64.1
Course 69.3 64.5 62.3 61.2 61.2 61.2
Average 71.4 68.2 64.8 62.7 62.7 62.7

3 Wale 72.7 70.3 65.6 62.5 62.5 62.5
Course 67.9 63.2 60.8 59.6 59.6 59.6
Average 70.3 66.8 63.2 61.1 61.1 61.1

5 Wale 70.3 68.5 63.2 60.1 60.1 60.1
Course 71.2 61.4 58.9 57.3 57.3 57.3
Average 70.8 64.9 61.0 58.7 58.7 58.7

7 Wale 67.7 65.9 61.3 58.6 58.6 58.6
Course 69.5 59.2 56.7 55.1 55.1 55.1
Average 68.6 62.6 59.0 56.9 56.9 56.9

9 Wale 66.2 64.7 60.4 56.3 56.3 56.3
Course 68.6 56.8 54.9 53.4 53.4 53.4
Average 67.4 60.8 57.7 54.9 54.9 54.9

Tables 19 shows that the effect of essential oil concentrations on the elongation recovery of CL were similar for all four essential oil concentrations. The CL fabric showed similar results till 3% concentration in all four essential oils. The CL fabric elongation recovery reduces after 5% essential oil concentration and after that it reduces with the increase in essential oil concentration. Along with this, it was also noted that the fabrics recovered till 12 hours. After 12 hours the CL fabric did not recover.
The essential oil concentrations effect on the elongation recovery of CPL fabric as shown in Table 20 reveals that all essential oils showed similar effect on the recovery of cotton/polyester/lycra fabric. The control as well as CPL fabric treated at 1% concentration essential oil showed similar results. The decrease in CPL fabric recovery was observed at 3% essential oil concentration. The finding also showed that the CPL fabric did not recover after 24 hour in case of all treated CPL as well as control sample. The VNL fabric finding for the effect of essential oil concentration on the elongation recovery are shown in Table 21 and were similar to the finding of CPL fabric.
Effect of essential oil concentrations on thermal resistance of knitted fabrics
Thermal resistance is ability of fabric to resist transmission of heat either from body to environment or vice versa. The heat plays a vital role in relieving pain as it boosts circulation which then allows nutrients and oxygen to travel to joints and muscles. Tables 22-24 shows thermal resistance of CL, CPL and VNL fabrics at different essential oil concentrations.
One-way ANOVA was applied to find out the effect of essential oil concentrations on thermal resistance of the double jersey knitted fabrics.
Table 22: Effect of concentration of essential oils on thermal resistance of CL
Essential oil Conc. (%) Thermal Resistance (Tog value)
Control sample 1.83 ± 0.016a

Camphor 1 1.83 ± 0.032a
3 1.83 ± 0.035a
5 1.81 ± 0.040a
7 1.93 ± 0.037a
9 1.94 ± 0.029a
F value 5.192S
Control sample 1.83 ± 0.016a

Peppermint 1 2.15 ± 0.045b
3 2.13 ± 0.070b
5 2.18 ± 0.080b
7 2.18 ± 0.014b
9 2.15 ± 0.016b
F value 15.502S
Control sample 1.83 ± 0.016a

Pine needle 1 2.24 ± 0.058b
3 2.24 ± 0.066b
5 2.26 ± 0.072b
7 2.32 ± 0.014b
9 2.32 ± 0.021b
F value 29.290S
Control sample 1.83 ± 0.016a

Wintergreen 1 2.32 ± 0.053c
3 2.52 ± 0.037d
5 2.52 ± 0.045d
7 2.45 ± 0.035d
9 2.15 ± 0.021b
F value 104.568S

Table 23: Effect of concentration of essential oils on thermal resistance of CPL
Essential oil Conc. (%) Thermal Resistance (Tog value)
Control sample 2.19 ± 0.024ab

Camphor 1 2.24 ± 0.066ab
3 2.24 ± 0.045ab
5 2.47 ± 0.021c
7 2.11 ± 0.035a
9 2.28 ± 0.016b
F value 20.286S
Control sample 2.19 ± 0.024a

Peppermint 1 2.24 ± 0.037a
3 2.15 ± 0.066a
5 2.24 ± 0.014a
7 2.42 ± 0.078b
9 2.24 ± 0.008a
F value 8.700S
Control sample 2.19 ± 0.024ab

Pine needle 1 2.00 ± 0.014a
3 2.42 ± 0.058c
5 2.08 ± 0.072ab
7 2.24 ± 0.050b
9 2.15 ± 0.066ab
F value 15.145S
Control sample 2.19 ± 0.024a

Wintergreen 1 2.42 ± 0.037a
3 2.42 ± 0.008a
5 2.52 ± 0.014a
7 2.15 ± 0.066a
9 2.00 ± 0.050a
F value 2.671S

Table 24: Effect of concentration of essential oils on thermal resistance of VNL
Essential oil Conc. (%) Thermal Resistance (Tog value)
Control sample 2.00 ± 0.037a

Camphor
1 2.32 ± 0.082c
3 2.24 ± 0.050bc
5 2.15 ± 0.037ab
7 2.24 ± 0.045bc
9 2.15 ± 0.016ab
F value 10.016S
Control sample 2.00 ± 0.037a

Peppermint 1 2.00 ± 0.029a
3 2.24 ± 0.024c
5 2.24 ± 0.000c
7 2.32 ± 0.008d
9 2.15 ± 0.016b
F value 67.263S
Control sample 2.00 ± 0.037a

Pine needle 1 2.15 ± 0.008bc
3 2.08 ± 0.029ab
5 2.32 ± 0.016d
7 2.32 ± 0.008d
9 2.24 ± 0.045cd
F value 43.065S
Control sample 2.00 ± 0.037a

Wintergreen 1 2.24 ± 0.029b
3 2.24 ± 0.050b
5 2.00 ± 0.014a
7 2.32 ± 0.037b
9 3.15 ± 0.008c
F value 332.945S
Tables 22-24 show difference between the Tog value of control and treated fabrics. The Tog value for thermal resistance increased after the application of essential oils in all three fabrics. The maximum Tog value was observed in VNL fabric when treated with wintergreen oil at 9% concentration (3.15 Tog value).
Microscopic analysis of essential oil treated fabrics
The Scanning Electron Microscope images at the magnification of 10 µm of untreated and essential oil treated VNL fabric samples (at 9% concentration) are presented in Figure 1. The deposition of essential oils can be clearly observed from the images as compared to the control (untreated) VNL fabric sample.
The antimicrobial property of essential oil treated fabrics was assessed against gram positive and gram negative bacteria. The qualitative evaluation (agar plate diffusion method) of antibacterial activity was done by measuring inhibition zone of essential oil treated fabric at 9% concentration on E.coli (gram negative) and S. aureus (gram positive). The one-way ANOVA was applied to find the microbial resistant property of different essential oils on different knitted fabrics against E.coli and S.aureus.
Table 25: Zone of Inhibition in essential oil treated knitted fabrics against E.coli
Oil
Fabric code Zone of inhibition (mm)
CL CPL VNL
Positive control 0 0 0
Camphor 0 0 0
Peppermint 6.33 ± 0.62S 1.33 ± 1.02NS 16.7 ± 0.62S
Pine needle 5.33 ± 0.62S 1.16 ± 0.84NS 8.16 ± 2.39S
Wintergreen 9.5 ± 1.87S 0 12.33 ± 0.85S
From the size of inhibition zone (Figure 2), it is clear that the treated VNL fabric possesses highest antibacterial activity against E.coli in comparison to the treated CL and CPL fabrics.
The maximum zone of inhibition was found in VNL fabric when treated with peppermint oil (16.7±0.62 mm).
Table 26: Zone of Inhibition in essential oil treated knitted fabrics against S.aureus
Oil
Fabric code Zone of inhibition (mm)
CL CPL VNL
Positive control 0 0 0
Camphor 0 0 1.5 ± 1.08S
Peppermint 7.17 ± 1.69S 0.83 ± 1.17NS 8.5 ± 2.16S
Pine needle 7.83 ± 1.03S 2.67 ± 2.25NS 11.5 ± 1.63S
Wintergreen 8.83 ± 1.69S 0 10.0 ± 2.27S
Figure 3 shows inhibition zone size of essential oil treated fabric samples, the almost similar results were observed for S.aureus and E.coli. The maximum zone of inhibition was found in VNL fabric when treated with pine needle oil (11.5±1.63 mm).
Thus, in peppermint, pine needle and wintergreen oils VNL fabric exhibits maximum zone of inhibition against both bacteria (E.coli and S.aureus) followed by CL fabric and CPL fabric. The difference may be attributed to the oil uptake property of fabrics, as CPL fabric absorbed least amount of essential oils and VNL retained as well uptake maximum amount of essential oils.
Wash durability assessment of essential oil treated knitted fabrics
The wash durability assessment of the essential oil treated knitted fabrics at 9% concentration were evaluated through the amount of scent detection after 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 washes. The data was collected on the basis of 5 rating scale, in which 1 represents “no scent” and 5 represents “very strong scent”. Data is shown in Table 27. Values are the mean of ten observations.
Table 27: Wash durability assessment of essential oil treated knitted fabrics

Fabric code
Wash Cycle Essential oils
Camphor Peppermint Pine needle Wintergreen

CL Without wash 5 5 5 5
1st wash 3.3 4.2 4.6 4.4
2nd wash 2.9 3.5 3.8 3.6
3rd wash 1.7 2.8 3.2 2.4
4th wash 1 1.6 2.1 1.2

CPL Without wash 5 5 5 5
1st wash 2.4 2.7 3.2 3.1
2nd wash 1.5 2.3 2.8 2.6
3rd wash 1.2 1.6 2.1 1.8
4th wash 1 1 1.2 1.1

VNL Without wash 5 5 5 5
1st wash 4.4 4.8 4.9 4.8
2nd wash 4.1 4.4 4.6 4.5
3rd wash 2.3 3.8 3.9 3.9
4th wash 1.3 2.7 3.1 2.9
The reduction in the amount of scent was observed as the number of wash increases but the maximum reduction in the amount of scent was observed in the CPL fabric and the least reduction in the amount of essential oils scent was observed in the VNL fabric in case of all essential oils. The amount of essential oil’s scent retention in knitted fabrics is observed as: VNL > CL > CPL.
Development and evaluation of treated knee sleeves
The knee sleeves were developed from the selected double jersey fabric of VNL as the VNL fabric retained and absorbed maximum amount of all four essential oils viz. camphor, peppermint, pine needle and wintergreen oils and best results for physical properties, antibacterial resistance and wash durability. The essential oils were applied at 9% concentration for the development of knee sleeves.
The pilot study was conducted before clinical trial of developed knee sleeves. In pilot study, four subjects having knee pain were selected. Each subject asked to wear developed essential oil treated knee sleeves (camphor oil, peppermint oil, pine needle oil and wintergreen oil treated knee sleeves). All the wearers felt relief in pain except the wearer wearing camphor oil treated knee sleeve, the camphor oil treated knee sleeve also provide discomfort to the wearer. Therefore, the clinical trial for the present study was planned excluding camphor oil treated knee sleeves.
The evaluation of essential oil treated knee sleeves was done through the clinical trial. The clinical trial for present study was conducted in National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur. Before conducting the clinical trial, the Institutional Ethical Approval was obtained from National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur. For the clinical trial, 60 patients having knee pain of both genders above 40 years of age were selected in National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur. The evaluation was done on the basis of three test parameters viz. Time Up and Go (TUG), Stair Climb Power Test (SCPT) and 8 Meter Walk (8MW) test.
The clinical trial was done on four groups: first (control knee sleeve), second (wintergreen oil treated knee sleeve), third (pine needle oil treated knee sleeve), fourth (peppermint oil treated knee sleeve). Each group consists of 15 subjects (60 subjects in total). The maximum subjects belong to 40-50 year of age (53.33%), 25% belong to 50-60 year of age, 11.67% belong to 60-70 age group and 10% subjects belong to 70-80 year of age. 68.33% of subjects were female and 31.67% were male. Majority of the subjects were house-maker (50%), 20% were in service, 16.67% were business person, 10% were basic utility workers and 3.33% were service retired.
The subjects were randomized into groups using IZE randomizing application. The immediate (30 minutes) pain relief or the effect of developed knee sleeves was seen in the clinical trial. The subjects were requested to perform all the test protocols (TUG, SCPT and 8MW) without wearing knee sleeves and after that the developed knee sleeves were given to them and requested to wear them for at least 30 minutes and after that requested them to perform same test while wearing knee sleeves. The findings of developed knee sleeves were mentioned in Table 28.
Table 28: Evaluation of essential oil treated knee sleeves
Group Time up and Go (sec) Stair Climb Power Test (VAS) 8 Meter Walk (sec)
Without knee sleeve With knee sleeve Without knee sleeve With knee sleeve Without knee sleeve With knee sleeve
Control 18.20 ± 4.29 16.53 ± 3.91 4.87 ± 1.15 4.26 ± 1.84 19.33 ± 4.35 18.40 ± 3.76
t value 5.493S 2.553S 2.064NS
Wintergreen 18.67 ± 6.02 16.33 ± 5.73 5.80 ± 2.19 3.06 ± 2.05 21.06 ± 5.42 18.53 ± 4.98
t value 9.134S 6.191S 5.314S
Pine needle 20.07 ± 4.42 17.13 ± 3.22 5.73 ± 2.17 2.6 ± 2.12 24.33 ± 6.16 20.23 ± 4.47
t value 5.956S 10.222S 5.909S
Peppermint 16.31 ± 2.61 14.33 ± 2.32 5.33 ± 1.66 3.53 ± 1.78 19.40 ± 2.73 16.53 ± 2.55
t value 9.317S 6.874S 6.59S
Table 28 shows the data of clinical trial evaluation of essential oil treated developed knee sleeves. In data it is observed that in all the three test parameters there is a clear difference in noted time and VAS score between without knee sleeve and with knee sleeve data of subjects.

Time Up and Go Test
Table 28 shows the data of Time Up and Go test. In control group the time duration to complete the test reduces from 18.2±4.29 sec to 16.53±3.91 sec, in wintergreen oil treated knee sleeves the time reduction was noted from 18.67±6.02 sec to 16.33±5.73 sec, in case of pine needle oil treated knee sleeves from 20.07±4.42 sec the time reduced to 17.13±3.22 sec and in peppermint oil treated knee sleeves the time reduction from 16.31±2.61 sec to 14.33±2.32 sec was observed.
The pine needle oil treated knee sleeves showed best result in TUG test followed by wintergreen oil treated knee sleeves, peppermint oil treated knee sleeves and control knee sleeves respectively.
Stair Climb power Test
Table 28 shows the data of Stair Climb Power Test, in control group VAS score after the completion of test reduces from 4.87±1.15 to 4.26±1.84, in wintergreen oil treated knee sleeves the VAS score reduction was noted from 5.80±2.19 to 3.06±2.05, in case of pine needle oil treated knee sleeves from 5.73±2.17 the VAS score reduced to 2.6±2.12 and in peppermint oil treated knee sleeves the VAS score reduction from 5.33±1.66 to 3.53±1.78 was observed. The sequence for the best resulting knee sleeves according to SCPT test is as followed: pine needle treated>wintergreen treated>peppermint treated>control.
8 Meter Walk Test
Table 28 shows the data of 8 Meter Walk test, in control group the time duration to complete the test reduces from 19.33±4.35 sec to 18.40±3.76 sec, in wintergreen oil treated knee sleeves the time reduction was noted from 21.06±5.42 sec to 18.53±4.98 sec, in case of pine needle oil treated knee sleeves from 24.33±6.16 sec the time reduced to 20.23±4.47 sec and in peppermint oil treated knee sleeves the time reduction from 19.40±2.73 sec to 16.53±2.55 sec was observed. The pine needle oil treated knee sleeves showed best result in 8MW test followed by Wintergreen oil treated knee sleeves, peppermint oil treated knee sleeves and control knee sleeves respectively.
The all developed knee sleeves along with the test parameters were also evaluated on the basis of tolerance against redness, itching and inflammation. None of the developed knee sleeves showed any kind of side effect or cause any problem to the wearers, i.e. none of the wearer complained about redness, itching and inflammation on the areas covered by knee sleeves.
The clinical trial shows that the patient's time in Time Up and Go test (20.07±4.42 seconds) reduced to 17.13±3.22 seconds after wearing pine needle oil treated knee sleeves. Similarly, in Stair Power Climb test, Visual Analog Score reduces from 5.73±2.17 to 2.6±2.12 and in 8 Meter Walk test time duration reduces from 24.33±6.16 seconds to 20.3±4.47 seconds.
Therefore, the present invention provides essential oil compression fabric and development of garments for pain relief. The present invention shows that the VNL double jersey blended knitted fabric is the most suitable garment for development of compression garment. More specifically, the invention provides pine needle oil treated compression garment of VNL fabric for pain relief without any side-effects to the wearer.

We claim

1. A novel compression fabric treated with essential oil, comprises
- compression fabric selected from blends of cotton and lycra (CL), cotton and polyester and lycra (CPL), viscose and nylon and lycra (VNL),
- essential oil possessing pain relieving properties, said essential oil being selected from pine oil, camphor oil, peppermint oil, wintergreen oil or a combination thereof, or any derivative thereof, in any combination, and in specific concentration,
wherein said novel compression fabric treated with essential oil is capable of being used in development of compression garments for pain relief without any side-effects to the wearer.
2. The novel compression fabric treated with essential oil as claimed in claim 1, wherein said compression fabric is double jersey knitted blended fabrics with blend ratio of 95:5, 60:35:5, and 63:32:5 in CL, CPL and VNL, respectively.
3. The novel compression fabric treated with essential oil, wherein said fabric is VNL with a blend ratio of 63:32:5, treated with pine needle oil.
4. The novel compression fabric treated with essential oil as claimed in claim 1, wherein said specific concentration of the essential oil is 1% to 9%.
5. The novel compression fabric treated with essential oil as claimed in claim 1, wherein said specific concentration of the essential oil is 9%.
6. The novel compression fabric treated with essential oil, wherein said compression garment is knee sleeve.
7. A method of providing a novel compression fabric treated with essential oil for pain relief, said method comprises
- selecting blends of pre-determined knitted fabrics in specific blend ratio possessing appropriate compression, elasticity, thermal insulation, oil uptake and retention properties,
- pre-treating the selected blends of knitted fabrics by known process of scouring to remove natural as well as added impurities, wherein scouring bath is prepared with two gram/litre commercial detergent and two gram/litre soda ash in 1:40 material liquor ratio and fabric is treated for one hour at 80°C temperature,
- removing the fabric from scouring bath and washing with cold water and drying of washed fabric,
- selecting at least one essential oil possessing pain relieving property,
- preparing solution of the at least one essential oil of desired concentration with the emulsifier (PEG400) at ten percent concentration,
- immersing the dried fabric in the essential oil solution for 30 minutes,
- passing the immersed fabric between the squeezing roller type laboratory padding mangle at uniform pressure of 2kg/cm2 along with uniform speed of padding mange of 30 revolution per minute (rpm) to squeeze out excessive oil solution,
- oven drying of fabric at 60ºC for one and half hour,
- curing of oven dried fabric at 140ºC for three minutes to obtain essential oil treated fabric,
- evaluating the essential oil treated fabric on parameters such as wale and course count, fabric thickness and fabric weight, stiffness, tensile strength, tearing strength, elongation and recovery, thermal resistance, antimicrobial property and wash durability.
8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein said compression fabric is selected from blends of knitted fabrics of cotton and lycra (CL), cotton and polyester and lycra (CPL), viscose and nylon and lycra (VNL).
9. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein said at least one essential oil is selected from camphor oil, peppermint oil, pine needle oil, wintergreen oil or derivatives or a combination thereof.
10. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein said specific blend ratio of CL, CPL and VNL blended fabrics are 95:5, 60:35:5, and 63:32:5, respectively.
11. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the desired concentration of the essential oil is 1% to 9%.
12. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the essential oil is pine needle oil at the concentration of 9%.