Dependence of reactive prints of cotton fabrics on type and condition of scouring system

Abstract

The effect of bioscouring on printability of cotton fabric using a reactive dye has been studied and the results are compared with the conventional scouring to obtain most appropriate bioscouring conditions for optimal printability. Parameters affecting the bioscouring process, such as concentration of alkaline pectinase enzyme in single use and in admixture with cellulase enzyme, and duration of treatment as well as pretreatment with <img src='/image/spc_char/beta.gif'>-cyclodextrin at different concentrations are studied. Fabrics processed using the appropriate condition of bioscouring exhibit overall printing characteristics which are comparable with, if not superior than, those of the conventional scouring, irrespective of the effect due to the replacement of the harsh chemicals with ecofriendly biodegradable enzymes.