Sequential Enzymatic and Oxidative Pre-Treatment Effect on Natural Lignocellulosic Fibres

Abstract

In order to get the aesthetic look or making fibre to fabric for apparel purpose or for good quality hessians, sackings, bags, etc. one must do the pre-treatment processes like scouring, degumming, bio-scouring, bleaching, etc. This will enhance the efficiency, easiness and effectiveness during yarn making, fabric making, spinnability, dyeing, etc. In this work, study has been targeted to achieve finer, brighter and whiter fibre while maintaining the strength of the fibre. Four natural fibres namely Corchorus olitorius (Jute), Musa domestica (Banana), Linum usitatissimum (Flax) and Boehmeria nivea (Ramie) were undergone pre-treatment processes like scouring, degumming, enzyme treatment and bleaching in sequential manner. Lignin content, gummy matter and yellowness of the fibre goes on decreasing while fineness, whiteness and brightness kept on increasing with each subsequent chemical treatment and washing. The outcome of the work was the scoured, enzyme treated, and bleached jute, banana, flax and ramie fibre with enhanced fineness, smoothness and whiteness which can be further used for yarn and fabric making, dyeing and apparel preparation.