Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Cotton, Linen, Ramie, and Viscose Rayon Fabrics

Abstract

Cotton, linen, ramie, and viscose rayon fabrics along with a cotton / linen blend were hydrolyzed with cellulase from Trichoderma viride. Surface fibrils were eliminated by a 6 hour treatment in all cases. The loss of fibrillar matter appeared to be the primary cause of weight loss at this stage. On prolonged treatment, cotton, linen, and viscose rayon lost weight at a faster rate than ramie and the cotton / linen blend. The fall in yam strength was progressive with increasing weight loss for cotton and viscose, while for linen and ramie it was slight initially and then increased sharply. Retention of strength after 48 hours' incubation time increased in the order viscose rayon << cotton < ramie < linen, whereas weight loss increased in the order ramie < linen < cotton < viscose rayon. X-ray crystallinity and moisture sorption of the samples did not change after the treatment, indicating that the mechanism of endwise attack of the cellulase at accessiblc cellulose chains on crystallite surfaces appeared to apply to all four fibers. The location of enzymatic attack could be monitored with a light microscope using Congo red staining in the case of cotton and linen, but not ramie or rayon. Changes in surface morphology could be followed for all the enzyme-treated fibers by scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, mechanical tests demonstrated the changes in stretchability and stiffness of the fabrics and the mobility of yams within the samples.

Microbial Degradation of Woven Fabrics and Protection Against Biodegradation

“…Its rate of microbiological decomposition is comparable to that of cotton. Cellulose acetate is produced by the acetylation of cellulose with acetic anhydride, as a result of which the product has a maximal degree of acetylation, and the fibre becomes more resistant to microbiological decomposition than cellulose (Buchanan et al, 1993, Buschle-Diller et al, 1994Salerno-Kochan & Szostak-Kotowa, 2001;Szostak-Kot, 2005).…”

Microbial Odor Profile of Polyester and Cotton Clothes after a Fitness Session

“…It is posed that natural fibers are more easily affected by the microbiota due to the natural nutrients present in the clothing and the ability to adsorb sweat components (1). Cellulose fibers are degraded by a range of bacteria and fungi, possessing cellulolytic enzymes (7). Synthetic fibers gather moisture in the free space between the fibers but do not adsorb it on the fibers themselves.…”

Fungal Biodegradation of Agro-Industrial Waste

“…Trichoderma viride cellulase that removal of surface fibrils from linen fabrics can be accomplished without high weight losses or reduction in tensile strength [85].…”