Effect of Cellulase Hydrolysis on Dyeing Properties of Linen

Abstract

This paper investigated the effect of cellulase on dyeing properties of linen fabric. Acid cellulase of different concentrations was used for treating linen fabric with and without simulated mechanical agitation. After the cellulase treatment, linen fabrics were dyed to different depths, with two reactive dyes (one was bifunctional and the other was monofunctional). Results revealed that colour yield was reduced as shown by K/S Sum value in relation to the increased enzyme concentration and mechanical action. The X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that crystallinity ratio was increased with increase in amount of enzyme used in the treatment. Colourfastness to crocking and laundering were improved after enzyme treatment.