Degumming Of Fibers Research Articles

Degumming of hemp fibers using combined microwave energy and deep eutectic solvent treatment

Hemp bast fibers were degummed using combined microwave energy (MWE) and deep eutectic solvent (DES) to generate pure hemp cellulose fibers for potential textile applications. The properties of the degummed fibers were investigated and compared with those of the alkali-treated fibers using several analytical techniques. Results revealed that hemp fiber surface underwent dramatic structural disruption during the pretreatment, due to the removal of “gummy” compounds (i.e., pectin, oil, wax, etc.), lignin, and amorphous cellulose. The treated fibers had much enhanced thermal stability due to the removal of the gummy materials. The reduced enthalpy (171.34 J/g) of MWE-DES treated fibers at 1:20 fiber-DES ratio as compared to that of raw hemp fibers (272.09 J/g) also confirmed the higher thermal stability of MWE-DES treated fibers. Chemical composition analysis showed that the holocellulose content in the treated fiber samples at 1:20 fiber-DES ratio increased to 98.63% which was comparable with the holocellulose content (98.87%) of the alkali-treated fibers. The Ultraviolet (UV) protection factor (UPF) of MWE-DES treated fibers at 1:10 and 1:20 fiber-DES ratio was, respectively, 118.11 and 114.19, meeting the requirement of UV resistant textile fibers. The study demonstrates a potentially effective, less time-consuming, and environmentally sustainable protocol for manufacturing purified hemp cellulose fibers using combined MWE-DES treatment.

Extraction and Characterization of Bamboo Shoot Shell Fibers by Sodium Percarbonate Assisted Degumming

ABSTRACT The bamboo shoot shell fibers were extracted by using environmental protection oxidant sodium percarbonate combined with alkali oxygen bath method. To explore the influence of various factors on its degumming, the efficiency of degumming through single-factor and orthogonal experiments was assessed. The results showed that the used method had a good effect on the degumming of bamboo shoot shell fiber, and most of the non-cellulose components such as hemicellulose, lignin, and pectin had been removed. After the treatment, the cellulose content and crystallinity were 73.19% and 61.40%, respectively. Taking the degumming rate as the index, the factors such as dosage of sodium percarbonate and hydrogen peroxide, soaking temperature, and time in alkali boiling treatment were optimized. The results showed that the degumming rate was 69.17% when the scouring temperature was 90°C, the alkali boiling time was 120 min, the dosage of sodium percarbonate was 24 g/L, and the dosage of hydrogen peroxide was 40 mL/L. The structure and properties of bamboo shoot shell fiber were analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). The prepared bamboo shoot shell fibers would be considered as a promising and sustainable raw material for the textile industry and other prospects in the future.

Enzymatic Degumming of Banana Fibers by Enterobacter cloacae PMC04 for Fineness Improvisation: An Eco-friendly Approach

ABSTRACT Banana fibers could gruntle the thirst for natural fibers in textile industries. Banana fibers are prominent for eco-friendliness, durability, and biodegradability. Our study demonstrates that Enterobacter cloacae PMC04, isolated from banana waste decomposed soil, could produce pectinolytic enzymes using dried banana pseudostem as solid substrate by fermentation and their application in banana fiber degumming for textile processing. Enterobacter cloacae PMC04 exhibited elevated pectinase activity (177.1901 U/ml) and pectin lyase activity (34.21818 U/ml) with citrus pectin and yeast extract under optimal pH (pH 10.0) and temperature (45°C) conditions. In reconciliation with the obtained results, it is found that pectinase enzyme is suitable for the degumming of banana fibers. The optimized degumming condition of banana fiber was identified to be 55°C, 4 hours and 30% enzymatic dosage. The maximum galacturonide released from the fiber degumming system was recognized to be 0.8121 mmol/ml. The surface morphology, functional group, thermal analysis, and tensile analysis of the enzymatic degummed banana fiber were significant compared to the chemically treated fiber. Based on the studies, it is inferred that enzymatic degumming of banana fiber could be regarded as an alternative approach for feasible application in textile industries

Eco-friendly degumming of natural fibers for textile applications: A comprehensive review

Global fiber production contributes 107 million MT in 2018 and is expected to grow 145 million MT by 2030. Fiber production can be plant-based, animal-based, man-made, and synthetic fibers. Plant-based fibers include jute, ramie, and hemp, have a market share of 5.7% in textile industries. The emerging interest in plant-based fibers, agricultural residues could be addressed by adopting unexplored plant fibers. Textile processing of natural fiber necessitates the removal of the hemicellulosic substance. The major concern of this investigation is the degumming of natural fibers by an eco-friendly method. The ideology is focused on producing hemicellulose degrading enzymes through solid substrate fermentation and utilization of hemicellulose degrading enzymes in natural fiber degumming. Degumming of fiber can be performed by hemicellulose degrading enzymes such as Pectinase, Xylanase, and Laccases. The neglection of the non-cellulosic layer corresponds to an increase in tensile strength, crystallinity, fineness, removal of non-cellulosic substances. The degummed fiber has remarkable applications in fabrication, cutlery application, and textile industries. Our investigation enclosed consolidated reports on the agricultural residues for hemicellulose degrading enzyme production and application of enzymes for natural fiber degumming proclaimed in recent years. The practical difficulties in adopting degummed fibers in textile industries have also been discussed. • Plant-based fiber in textile contributes market share of 5.7% • Textile processing of fiber necessitates degumming Process • Hemicellulose enzymes production by solid state fermentation • Implementation of enzymes for natural fiber degumming • Degummed fiber has remarkable application

Bacterial degradation of sericin for degumming of silk fibers–A green approach

Biodegumming is the process of degradation of sericin and its subsequent removal from the surface of silk fibers using microorganisms. Two proteins, viz., fibroin and sericin, make up the silk fiber. Fibroin is the fiber whereas sericin is the glue-like protein coat present on the surface of the fiber that needs to be removed. During the conventional degumming process, chemicals such as soap and soda are used for the removal of sericin from the fiber. This treatment requires a large quantity of water for the removal of the chemicals used. Also, the waste water released into the environment can lead to water pollution. In the following study, a microbiological degumming process was used for the silk fiber, using various bacterial cultures. Nine isolates were checked for their degumming activity. The biologically treated silk was found to be shinier, smoother, softer, and lustrous as compared to the chemically treated silk. Two promising isolates were identified. The treated silk was also tested for parameters like tensile strength and elongation. Silk was also tested for color fastness after dyeing with turmeric. As compared to the chemical process, the microbiological process was found to be more efficient, cost-effective, rapid, and most importantly, environment friendly.

Sericin from mulberry and non-mulberry silk using chemical-free degumming

In this study we report the extraction and characterization of sericin using water alone, from two non-mulberry silks - Antheraea assamensis (A. assamensis) and Philosamia ricini (P. ricini) compared with Bombyx mori (B. mori) silk. Degumming at 130 °C offered the highest sericin removal for A. assamensis; P. ricini had the lowest sericin removal among the varieties, because of its lower overall sericin content. Along with sericin degumming, fiber tensile properties were also reported. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) of sericin revealed minimal sericin degradation even for degumming temperatures above 100 °C. The spectra from Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed random coil motifs for B. mori sericin but a higher proportion of β-sheets in A. assamensis and P. ricini sericin which is likely to contribute to their lower water solubility. Thus, high temperature, water-based processing can be a potential approach for chemical- free degumming of silk fibers and to obtain high molecular weight sericin for different biomaterial applications.

High-efficiency and recyclable ramie cellulose fiber degumming enabled by deep eutectic solvent

Gummy components in raw ramie are required to be removed to extract cellulose fibers. However, current common degumming techniques are largely limited because of long procedures, heavy environmental pollution, high energy consumption, and insufficient efficiency. Here, deep eutectic solvent (DES) was explored to ramie cellulose fiber degumming without combining any further treatment. Three DESs, namely, choline chloride-urea (CU), choline chloride-imidazole (CI), and ethylamine hydrochloride-ethylene glycol (EE), were demonstrated to be capable of removing non-cellulose impurities in 2 h in one-step boiling process without damaging cellulose structure. The purified fibers were systematically characterized in terms of mechanical properties and chemical constitutions. Results showed that the DES can effectively remove most non-cellulosic materials from raw ramie. The CU treated fibers exhibited a higher tenacity (6.51 cN/dtex) and lower residual gum content (3.76 %), which was nearly in the same level of traditional alkaline (TAL) treated fibers. The fibers degummed with CI showed the highest break elongation (3.30 %) and relatively good tenacity (5.50 cN/dtex). Comparatively, the EE treated fibers exhibited the poorest tenacity (3.05 cN/dtex) despite of the lowest residual gum content (3.15 %). Besides, the DES was reusable and recyclable, which can be repeatedly used for many times. The cellulose fibers achieved high tenacity and low residual gum content after the fifth cycles’ treatment with DES, which still met the requirement of downstream applications. Finally, the lignin in degumming waste solution was further fractionated, and the purity of the extracted lignin was proved to be 9.54 %. Featured with high efficiency, short process, less chemical and energy usage, high quality fibers as well as easy reutilization of solvent, this approach is of great potential for cellulose fiber isolation.

An environmental management technology for the processing of American aloe fibers using xylano-pectinolytic enzymes.

The objective of this research was to find out the potential of bioscouring using xylano-pectinolytic enzymes, for degumming of aloe fibers. Bioscouring was optimized with 1 : 20 fiber to buffer ratio, using 10 IU xylanase and 3.2 IU pectinase in 50 mM buffer (pH 8.5), EDTA (3 mM), and Tween 80 (1%), at 50°C temperature with agitation rate of 50 rpm and treatment period of 60 min. Enzymatic treatment of aloe fibers increased brightness and whiteness by 55.67% and 24.88%, respectively and decreased yellowness by 44.11% as compared to alkaline fiber scouring, thereby replacing chemical scouring completely. Additionally, the pretreatment of aloe fibers with enzymes resulted in a 50% less consumption of bleaching chemicals with similar optical properties as obtained by 100% bleaching. This is the first report showing the eco-friendly bioscouring approach of aloe fibers, using enzymes produced concurrently from a bacterial isolate.

Degumming silk by CO2 supercritical fluid and their dyeing ability with plant indigo

Degumming silk by CO₂ supercritical fluid and their dyeing ability with plant indigo

Optimization of bio-chemical degumming of Ramie fiber for improved strength & luster

Textile industries are currently not showing much interest in Ramie fibers due to the difficulties associated with their post-harvest downstream processing. The degumming chemicals are often detrimental to the environment upon discharged. Chemical degumming alone results in fibril-released coarse and brittle fibers. This problem has been addressed by combining partial chemical treatment with microbial degumming of the fibers for 72 h at 37 °C using a novel microbial formulation with Bacillus thuringiensis MCC2138 and Bacillus subtilis ABDR01. The extracellular microbial enzyme-based degumming without the release of fibrils produced a durable, soft, and lustrous fiber with higher tensile strength while utilizing fewer chemicals, thereby leading to lower discharge toxicity. The improved texture and strength compared to complete chemical treatment are attributed to even degumming of the fiber ensuring proper spinnability. Through this approach, Ramie is expected to gain visibility in the global textile market, thereby leading to Ramie cultivators' economic benefits.

A high-efficiency and eco-friendly degumming process for ramie fibers

Degumming is the most critical step in the preparation of ramie fibers for textile application. However, the traditional chemical degumming process, which uses large amounts of alkali at high temperature, has been a severe challenge to the environment. In this study, a bacterial strain Pectobacterium carotovorum HG-49, was isolated and successfully applied to the degumming of ramie fibers at an industrial scale. The gum removal ratio can reach 82.16% within 16 h of degumming, which is more efficient than most reported methods. Analyses of changes in bacterial populations and community structures over the degumming process showed that strain HG-49 is the dominant bacteria at all time points with a maximum concentration of 2.17 × 109 CFU/mL at 12 h. The maximum activities of pectinase, mannanase, and xylanase reached 110.89, 39.89, and 32.17 U/mL at 10–12 h, respectively. The residual gum content of refined ramie fibers decreased to 1.85% after degumming, and their bundle breaking tenacity and whiteness reached 5.03 cN/dtex and 52, respectively. These values exceed the first-class standards of China textile criteria. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (ATR FT-IR) analysis further confirmed the excellent degumming effects of the proposed method. The whole genome sequencing of strain HG-49 was completed, and 28 degumming enzyme genes were found, which explains its high-efficiency degumming abilities. Moreover, because the method abandons the use of acid and greatly reduces alkali consumption, it is eco-friendly. This study provides a promising cleaner degumming method for the ramie textile industry.

Improving the Tensile Properties of Wet Spun Silk Fibers Using Rapid Bayesian Algorithm.

Wet spinning of silkworm silk has the potential to overcome the limitations of the natural spinning process, producing fibers with exceptional mechanical properties. However, the complexity of the extraction and spinning processes have meant that this potential has so far not been realized. The choice of silk processing parameters, including fiber degumming, dissolving, and concentration, are critical in producing a sufficiently viscous dope, while avoiding silk's natural tendency to gel via self-assembly. This study utilized recently developed rapid Bayesian optimization to explore the impact of these variables on dope viscosity. By following the dope preparation conditions recommended by the algorithm, a 13% (w/v) silk dope was produced with a viscosity of 0.46 Pa·s, approximately five times higher than the dope obtained using traditional experimental design. The tensile strength, modulus, and toughness of fibers spun from this dope also improved by a factor of 2.20×, 2.16×, and 2.75×, respectively. These results represent the outcome of just five sets of experimental trials focusing on just dope preparation. Given the number of parameters in the spinning and post spinning processes, the use of Bayesian optimization represents an exciting opportunity to explore the multivariate wet spinning process to unlock the potential to produce wet spun fibers with truly exceptional mechanical properties.

Microwave-assisted One-step Degumming and Modification of Hemp Fiber with Graphene Oxide

ABSTRACT Microwave-assisted one-step degumming and modification of hemp fiber with graphene oxide (GO) have been studied. The results showed that the residual gum content of the hemp using GO bath is lower than that obtained using water bath, and the hemp fiber possessed electrical conductivity, better breaking strength, thermal conductivity, and good UV protection ability. Raman spectrum indicated that GO turned into reduced graphene oxide during the degumming process, and it was found on the surface of the fibers seen from SEM images. One-step degumming, reduction of GO, and modification of hemp fiber can be achieved with the microwave-assisting.

High-efficiency organosolv degumming of ramie fiber by autocatalysis of high-boiling alcohols: an evaluation study of solvents

Ramie was subjected to degumming treatment with high-boiling alcohols, which was an innovative way ahead ascribed to organosolv’s innate superiorities, namely the capability to dissolve non-cellulosic biomass obtaining separation of high-purity cellulose fibers, as well as green and ease of recovery. In the current research, effects of degumming processes with four sorts of alcohol solvents on the ramie fiber properties [degree of polymerization (DP), tenacity, linear density] and the possibility of reutilization of degumming solution were studied. Results showed that the organosolv degumming process efficiently removed non-cellulosic components and improved the DP value. In terms of the degummed fibers, except 1,4-butanediol treated fibers due to the serious damage of 1,4-butanediol to fibers, the cellulose purity was over 95%, the tenacity was 6.14–8.27 cN/dtex, and the linear density was less than 7.2 dtex. Besides, glycol treated fibers performed the most positive mechanical properties (8.27 cN/dtex) and glycerol treated fibers showed the lowest residual gum content (3.28%). Notably, the fiber still showed excellent performance after the sixth cycle treatment with glycerol, that was 3.62% of residual gum content and 4.45 cN/dtex of tenacity, which fully met the requirement of spinning process. Considering attractive characteristics of eco-friendly, high degumming efficiency, outstanding performances, and solvent recycling, this emerging method could inspire the potential application of alcohols for natural fiber isolation.

Green bioprocess of degumming of jute fibers and bioscouring of cotton fabric by recombinant pectin methylesterase and pectate lyases from Clostridium thermocellum

Enzymatic processes are emerging as important green biotechnological processes in textile industry. The application of recombinant pectin methylesterase (CtPME) and pectate lyase (CtPL1B) from Clostridium thermocellum for enzymatic degumming of jute or bioscouring of cotton was evaluated. The effectiveness of processes by combination of two enzymes were evaluated that effective degumming of jute and bioscouring of cotton as compared with individual enzyme. The optimum concentrations of two enzymes mixture for both processes, degumming of jute and bio scouring of cotton were 5 mg/mL (2.1 U/mL) of CtPME and 5 mg/mL (3.0 U/mL) of CtPL1B under optimized conditions of 60 min, 100 rpm and 50 °C. FESEM images showed more effective removal of pectin from jute fiber and cotton fabric by enzyme mixture, nevertheless similar to NaOH treatment. Wettability analysis showed mixture of enzymes and NaOH treated cotton fabric absorbed a water drop in 10 s and 8 s, respectively. UTM analysis showed higher tensile strength and Young’s modulus for jute fiber and cotton fabric treated with enzyme mixture than untreated and were similar to those of NaOH treated. These results showed that the CtPME and CtPL1B mixture can be used for replacing the chemical process by green bioprocess in textile industry.

Comparative Analysis of Alkaline and Enzymatic Degumming Process of Hemp Fibers

In this study, a comparison between alkaline and enzymatic degumming process of hemp fibers has been carried out. Degumming of hemp fibers is essential to remove the lignin content and to segregate the individual fibers for textile grade applications. In this research, optimization of degumming process parameters was carried out to reduce the strength loss in fibers. The percentage weight loss of hemp fibers after the degumming process was studied. Two approaches comprising alkaline and enzymatic methods were used. Hemp fiber diameter was determined along with the single fiber strength before and after the degumming process. Stiffness is directly linked to fiber diameter. Therefore, the fiber diameter was also taken into consideration for optimization of the degumming process. The chemicals used in alkali degumming were sodium hydroxide, magnesium sulfate, hydrogen peroxide, and magnesium chloride. Alkali degumming was the best-suited degumming method for segregating the individual hemp fibers. The optimized parameters obtained for alkali degumming method were heating time 50 min and heating temperature 75 °C. Enzymatic degumming is an eco-friendly method, but the result obtained does not provide a better separation of fibers and fine fiber diameter.

Isolation and characterization of cellulosic fibers from ramie using organosolv degumming process

Degumming bast fibers by organic solvents has been a promising method in recent years due to easy recovery and reuse of organic solvents. In this research, the possibility of ramie fiber degumming by glycol and a combination of acetic acid with glycol was studied, in which two steps were involved in the degumming process: distilled water boiling pretreatment and organosolv treatment by a combination of glycol/acetic acid (100/0, 90/10, 80/20, 70/30, 60/40, 50/50). Results displayed that the pretreatment could remove 6.99% of hemicellulose, 0.59% of lignin and 36.26% of other gums compared with raw ramie. While with organosolv treatment (130 °C, 6 h), fibers treated by glycol/acetic acid (50/50) had the best effect of removing gums. The hemicellulose and lignin content of fibers reduced by 44.81% and 54.12%, respectively (compared with raw ramie), while the residual gum content still failed to meet the requirements of spinning process. Besides, the tenacity of glycol/acetic acid treated fibers was lower than that of only glycol treated fibers (4.67 cN/dtex). Considering that the addition of acid could cause a decrease in fiber tenacity, the step of organosolv (only glycol) treatment was optimized by altering the degumming condition. The tenacity, linear density, non-cellulosic component ratio of fibers treated with the optimized condition (200 °C, 80 min) were 6.53 cN/dtex, 6.06 dtex, 5.78%, respectively, which met the needs of industrial production. Compared with the organosolv treated fibers, these properties of fibers with traditional alkaline treatment were better, but the yield (62.4%) was much lower than that of fibers treated with glycol in two degumming condition (77–82%). Considering impressive properties of the treated ramie, the method of organosolv degumming with high degumming efficiency and environmental protection would bring an innovative thought for natural fiber isolation.

Production of Novel Polygalacturonase from Bacillus paralicheniformis CBS32 and Application to Depolymerization of Ramie Fiber.

Polygalacturonase (EC. 3.2.1.15) is an enzyme that hydrolyzes the alpha-1,4 glycosidic bonds between galacturonic acid. In this study, an alkaline polygalacturonase producer Bacillus paralicheniformis CBS32 was isolated from kimchi (conventional Korean fermented food). The 16S rRNA sequence analysis of the isolated strain revealed that it was 99.92% identical to B. paralicheniformis KJ 16LBMN01000156. The polygalacturonase from B. paralicheniformis CBS32 was named PN32, and the purified PN32 showed a 16.8% yield and a 33-fold purity compared to the crude broth. The molecular mass, 110 kDa, was determined by SDS-PAGE, and the active band was confirmed by zymography analysis. The N-terminal amino acid sequence residues of PN32 were determined to be Gly–Val–Lys–Glu–Val–X–Gln–Thr–Phe. In the sequence comparison, PN32 was suggested as a novel polygalacturonase, since the sequence was not matched with the previous reports. In an application study, enzymatic depolymerization of ramie was performed for fiber degumming, and the result showed that the PN32 had a 28% higher depolymerization compared to the commercial pectinase. Overall, based on the results, PN32 has high potential for industrial applications.

Circulating solution for the degumming and modification of hemp fiber by the laccase–2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical–hemicellulase system

Hemp fiber, as a kind of renewable textile fiber, has evoked much interest due to its excellent properties in various fields. It has been investigated in just one step to finish the process of chemo-enzymatic degumming and modification of hemp fiber, which is done in acetic acidsodium acetate buffer solution containing laccase (6.0 g), hemicellulase (0.3 g) and 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical (0.3 g) under a mild condition (pH 5, 50C). The degumming effects of different batches of raw hemp fibers were also discussed. We found that the residual rate, fineness, length and tensile strength of degummed fiber were 15–27%, 9.00–24.00 dtex, 14.00–19.00 cm and 3.8–5.1 cN/dtex, respectively. Meanwhile, some of the oxidized functional groups were introduced into degummed fiber, which improved the moisture absorption and water retention value of the hemp fiber. The hemp fiber treated by this process could be further improved and then applied in the textile industry.

Optimizing Culture Conditions by Statistical Approach to Enhance Production of Pectinase from Bacillus sp. Y1.

It was found that Bacillus sp. Y1 could secrete alkaline pectinase with suitable enzyme system for powerful and fast degumming of ramie fiber. In this study, the medium components and fermentation conditions were optimized by some statistical methods including mixture design, fractional factorial design, central composite design and response surface methodology, and single factor method for enhancing the alkaline pectinase production. The optimized conditions for pectinase production were that the culture was shaken at 34°C for 60 h in 50 mL of medium containing 10.5% (w/v) carbon source (consisting of 3.8% starch, 4.2% wheat bran, and 2.5% sucrose), 0.37% (NH4)2SO4, 0.3% MgSO4, and 0.1% Tween-80, with initial pH 8.2 and inoculation amount of 1.3 mL (with the OD600 of the seed medium about 5.77). Using the optimizing conditions, the activities of polygalacturonate lyase (PGL) and polygalacturonase (PG) in fermentation liquor were increased to 2.00-fold and 3.44-fold, respectively, and the fermentation time shortened 12 hours (from 72 h to 60 h), which showed good application potential in degumming of ramie.