Investigating the Impact of Enzymatic Treatment on Mechanical and Chemical Properties of Denim Fabrics

Abstract

This study examines the effects of enzymatic treatment by acid and neutral cellulases after desizing and washing denim fabric. Tensile strength, elongation, stiffness, crease recovery angles and fastness properties of the samples were measured by standard methods. The chemical changes to the fabric samples were observed using the FTIR (Fourier Transformer Infra Red). Also, the surfaces of the treated samples were observed by the SEM (scanning electro microscope). The results show that all these treatments which gave the samples an age-worn appearance decreased the mechanical properties. Acid cellulase is the most aggressive enzyme for specially treated cloths, which proves that washing followed by applying neutral cellulase enzyme is the most suitable treatment for denim fabric.

Citation

Saleh, S.M., El-Sayed, I. and El-Shikh, A. (2012), "Investigating the Impact of Enzymatic Treatment on Mechanical and Chemical Properties of Denim Fabrics", Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, Vol. 16 No. 2, pp. 111-117. https://doi.org/10.1108/RJTA-16-02-2012-B012