Integrated Enzymatic Pre-Treatment of Cotton Fabrics

SUMMARY

In our study, the possibility of substitution of alkali scouring of cotton fabrics by enzymatic treatment was analyzed. The applied enzymes mixture, produced by Aspergillus niger IBT-90, contained xylanases and cellulolytic enzymes apart from pectinolytic enzymes. The HPLC analysis of hydrolizate obtained by enzymatic treatment of cotton fabric revealed a significant increase in concentration of pentoses, hexoses and galacturonic acid. It means that the above mentioned enzymes had an integrated activity on cotton fabric. Sorption values (H₂O, H₂O₂) for cotton fabric after integrated enzymatic treatment are higher compared to the ones after alkali scouring.

Key Words:

• Cotton fabrics
• pectinolytic enzymes
• sorption