Development of Cotton–Banana Fibre Blend Fabric with UV Protection using Pomegranate Peel Extract

Environmental concerns and the need for sustainable alternatives in textile production have encouraged the use of natural fibres and plant-based finishing materials. Conventional ultraviolet protective textiles often depend on synthetic chemicals that may contribute to environmental pollution and may not be biodegradable. In recent years, agricultural waste materials have gained attention as valuable resources for developing eco-friendly textile products. This study focuses on the development of cotton–banana fibre blended fabric treated with pomegranate peel extract to improve ultraviolet protection properties. The pomegranate peel extract was prepared using aqueous extraction method and applied through an eco-friendly dip-dry process. The treated fabric was evaluated for fabric weight, tensile behaviour, air permeability, wash durability, and ultraviolet protection factor. Results show that the treated fabric exhibits improved ultraviolet protection while maintaining comfort characteristics suitable for wearable applications.