Enzymatic enhanced adhesion of cellulosic woven fabrics composites

Abstract

The purpose of this work was to produce and characterize enzymatically treated fabric composites using different mixture of two commercial cellulase enzyme solutions in dosages of 0.1% and 0.5% in order to improve fabric’s adhesion. Three cellulosic taffeta plain weave fabrics of 100% flax, cotton and bamboo viscose were used in different combinations. The properties of the woven fabrics and produced composites were characterized using several mechanical tests. The cotton & viscose composite appears to be the best materials combination exhibiting improved breaking force (0.5% of Xylanase PLUSTM) and percentage of elongation at maximum force (0.1% of Xylanase PLUSTM), as well as better results on the peel adhesion test (0.5% of AlternaFuel® MAXTM). The flax & cotton combination did not show any improvement for all the tested properties. Flax & viscose combination despite did not show pell strength improvement, exhibit remarkable elongation and breaking force (0.5% of Xylanase PLUSTM). Since there is no posterior emission of volatile products one can expect a great public acceptance. However, higher enzymatic concentrations should be studied to clarify the contribution of this parameter on the surface modification and adhesion promotion.