Effect of different enzymes on mechanical properties of linen fabrics

Effect of different enzymes on the mechanical properties of linen fabrics In this work, the effect of different enzymatic treatments and combinations with softening and wrinkle resistance treatments on the mechanical properties of linen fabrics was examined with the KES system. For this purpose, two different enzymes (a cellulase and a pectinase) were applied to the fabrics by the exhaust method. The softening and wrinkle resistance processes were realized according to pad-dry-curing method. Afterwards, the tensile, bending and shearing properties on the KES-FB system and wrinkle recovery angles of all samples were measured. In general, it was found that enzymes are provided to improve soft handle of the fabrics. Like cellulase enzyme, pectinase enzyme was managed to soften the fabrics by hydrolyzing pectin substance related with the hardness of the linen fiber. In most cases, the combination of enzymes with softeners was found not necessary, because soft handle can also be obtained easily just with cellulase and pectinase.