Chemistry: molecular biology and microbiology – Process of utilizing an enzyme or micro-organism to destroy... – Textile treating
Patent
1997-05-08
1999-06-29
Patterson, Jr., Charles L.
Chemistry: molecular biology and microbiology
Process of utilizing an enzyme or micro-organism to destroy...
Textile treating
C12S 1100
Patent
active
059167980
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The present invention relates to a method for obtaining a cellulosic textile fabric having a strongly reduced tendency to pilling formation. More specifically, the invention relates to a method wherein the cellulosic textile fabric is subjected to an enzymatic treatment with a cellulase without substantial weight loss.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Without the application of finishing components, most cotton fabrics and cotton blend fabrics have a handle appearance that is rather hard and stiff. The fabric surface also is not smooth because small fuzzy microfibrils protrude from it. In addition, after a relatively short period of wear, pilling appears on the fabric surface thereby giving it an unappealing, worn look.
A known method for obtaining a soft and smooth fabric is to subject cellulosic fabrics to treatment by cellulolytic enzymes during their manufacture. This treatment is known as Bio-Polishing (hereinafter denoted biopolishing), cf. Bazin j. and Sasserod, S.: Enzymatic Bio-Polishing of Cellulosic Fabric, Paper presented on Oct. 25th, 1991, at "58eme Congres de l'Association des Chimistes de l'Industrie Textile", Mulhouse, France, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Biopolishing is a specific treatment of the yarn surface which improves fabric quality with respect to handle and appearance without loss of fabric wettability. The most important effects of biopolishing can be characterised by less fuzz and pilling, increased gloss/luster, improved fabric handle, increased durable softness and improved water absorbency.
Biopolishing usually takes place in the wet processing of the manufacture of knitted and woven fabrics. Wet processing comprises such steps as e.g. desizing, scouring, bleaching, washing, dying/printing and finishing. During each of these steps, the fabric can be subjected to mechanical action.
However, since the cellulolytic enzymes catalyse hydrolysis of the cellulosic fibre surface, the enzymatic action will eventually result in a weight loss of fibre or fabric. Even though the biopolishing is carried out in such a way so as to obtain a controlled, partial hydrolysis of the fibre surface, a proper polishing effect without excessive loss of fabric strength has hitherto been obtained at a weight loss of fabric of 3-5 w/w %. Such a weight loss is undesirable for the textile industry and, for economical reasons, makes the biopolishing process less desirable.
Thus, it is the object of the present invention to provide a method for obtaining a cellulosic textile fabric with strongly reduced tendency to pilling formation but without substantial weight loss of fabric.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Surprisingly, it has been found that it is possible to obtain a cellulosic textile fabric having a strongly reduced tendency to pilling formation at a significantly reduced weight loss by subjecting the fabric to a biopolishing process, preferably using monocomponent cellulases.
Accordingly, the method of the invention comprises treating a cellulose-fibre-containing textile fabric with a cellulase capable of performing a partial hydrolysis of the fibre surface corresponding to a weight loss of less than 2 w/w %, based on the untreated cellulosic textile fabric, or corresponding to a weight loss of less than about 2%, calculated as the difference, in terms of percentage, of the weight loss of the cellulase treated textile fabric and the weight loss of the textile fabric treated without cellulase (blank).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the present context, the terms "cellulosic textile fabric" and "cellulose-fibre-containing textile fabric" are intended to indicate any type of fabric, in particular woven or knitted fabric, prepared from a cellulose-containing material, containing cellulose or cellulose derivatives, e.g. from wood pulp, and cotton. Also, in the present context, the term "fabric" is intended to include garments and other types of processed fabrics. Examples of cellulosic textile fabric is cotton, viscose (rayon); lyocell; flax (linen); all blends of viscose, cotton
REFERENCES:
Bazin et al., "Enzymatic Bio-Polishing of Cellulosic Fabric", Novo Nordisk Bioindustrial Group, Enzyme Process Division, , Jan. 3, 1992, pp. 1-6.
Dialog Information Services, Textile Technology Digest, Accession No. 0550586, 06766/91, Cotton Grower: "Putting The Polish On Cotton Fabric", 27, No. 7: 20-21 (Jul. 1991).
Lund Henrik
Pedersen Hanne H.o slashed.st
Gregg, Esq. Valeta
Novo Nordisk A S
Patterson Jr. Charles L.
Zelson Esq. Steve T.
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