Enzymatic Treatment of Man-made Cellulosic Fabrics

Cellulases have been used in garment wet processing for approximately eight years. The majortty of cellulase enzyme used In textile appllcatlons has been on cotton. Denim jeans and knit and woven cotton garments are frequently treated. Cellulases effectively improve cotton’s surface eppearanco, hsndie and drape, and nsduce It0 tendency to pili or fuzz after repetitive iaunderings.‘-‘ Today, calblases am also being uwd W benefit man-made c a l l u ~ c 8 . In tftlr study, several man-made cellui& fabrlcs-lyocell (Tencel), rayon (viwose) and celulose acetate-were treated with cellularre. The treated fabrics and untreated controls were tested for surface fuzz removal, softenlng, pilllng, weight and strength. The effect of cellulase on these different celluloslcs varied. On both rayon and lyocell, cellulase altered the handle and drapeabiiity and removed surface fuzz. Cellulase also reduced the tendency of rayon to pill and reduced fibrillation of lyocell. Cellulose acetate was minimally affected by cellulase under the selected test conditions.