Improved Properties of Cotton Fabrics Treated with Lipase and Its Combination with Pectinase
Research and development
Authors:
- Kalantzi Styliani
Biosystems Technology Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athense, Athens, Greece - Mamma Diomi (j/w)
- Kalogeris Emmanuel (j/w)
- Kekos Dimitris (j/w)
 Full text | Abstract: A commercial lipase preparation (Lipolase) was examined as a scouring agent for cotton fabrics. Application of the enzyme enabled the creation of wax-free textiles where considerable amounts of pectin and protein were removed. Compositional changes were associated with the modification of the crystallinity index and degree of polymerisation as well as improved hydrophilicity and whiteness of fabrics. Assessment of micromechanical properties by the Kawabata Evaluation System showed that lipase-mediated scouring could be as effective as conventional alkali treatment. Combining lipase with pectinase in a one-step process enabled to reduce the time required for bioscouring and forming fabrics with superior properties and excellent dyeing performance. The features desired were achieved by applying an appropriate mixture of scouring agents for suitable treatment times. The crystallinity index of fabrics could be used as a single variable for predicting their mechanical behaviour. |
Tags: bioscouring, cotton fabrics, crystallinity index, lipase, mechanical properties.
Citation: Kalantzi S., Mamma D., Kalogeris E., Kekos D.; Improved Properties of Cotton Fabrics Treated with Lipase and its Combination with Pectinase. FIBRES & TEXTILES in Eastern Europe 2010, Vol. 18, No. 5 (82) pp. 86-92.