Synthesis and Application of β‐Cyclodextrin Microcapsules Containing Hydantoin and Menthol Essential Oil via Double Emulsion Polymerization

Rising demand for textiles combining odor control, antibacterial properties, and ultraviolet (UV) protection has stimulated interest in durable functional finishing approaches. Microcapsules were prepared using 5-propylhydantoin (PHDT) and menthol essential oil as dual cores, encapsulated within a polyurethane shell incorporating 2-(4-bromophenyl)-5-phenylthiophene-modified β-cyclodextrin (β-CD). The microcapsules were further applied to fabric, and the adsorption and degradation behaviors toward trans-2-nonenal were investigated. The dual-core system, together with the photocatalytic activity of the modified β-CD, significantly improved odor removal efficiency. Further analysis of the individual and combined contributions of PHDT and the thiophene-based component revealed a pronounced synergistic effect, leading to improved adsorption and degradation performance on the treated fabrics. In addition, the functional cotton fabric exhibited strong antibacterial activity, achieving inhibition efficiencies of 97% against Escherichia coli and 92% against Staphylococcus aureus. The integration of modified β-CD also substantially improved UV protection, increasing the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) to 71, while maintaining a value of approximately 40 after 30 abrasion cycles. This study presents a feasible pathway for developing multifunctional textile materials with durable odor management and protective performance.