Surface properties and residual chromophore content of differently pretreated linen fabrics

Abstract

In this research, conventional alkaline preparation, biopreparation with two commercial pectinase enzymes, and bleachability of all-linen fabric were investigated. Wettability by water drop test, wickability by thin-layer wicking experiment and residual chromophore content by measuring color and hydrogen peroxide consumption of the samples were characterized as a function of preparation. All the applied treatments significantly decreased the dynamic water contact angle and increased the energy of the fiber surface. Significant differences were detected between the two commercial enzymes that were applied for biopreparation. While one of the enzymes was very effective in improving the water wicking of the linen fabric, the other had a huge lightening effect on the fabric color. Furthermore, the oxidative degradation kinetics of the residual chromophores in the fabric treated with the latter enzyme were similar to those of the alkaline scoured fabric. A direct correlation was established between the apparent capillary radius, fabric color and bleachability of the differently scoured linen fabrics.