EFFECTS OF BIOFINISHING ON COTTON/WOOL BLENDED FABRICS

Enzymatic degradation, which improves surface properties by digesting protruding loose fibers, is gaining popularity because of its beneficial effects on the environment. In this study, two cotton/wool fabrics of different blend composition are treated with both cellulase and protease enzymes, applied at two different concentrations and conditions. In general, the enzyme treatments have significant effects on the physical and aesthetic properties of the blended fabrics, which is statistically evident from a one-way analysis of variance. Subjective means of evaluations are also used to assess fabric hand and pilling resistance. The enzyme treatment reduces protruding fibers, and more direct evidence of their absence is provided by SEM examination.