Softening treatment on Sisal fiber using enzymes

Abstract

The growing concerns for the degrading environmental conditions have led to the development of eco-friendly and biodegradable fibers in the ever expanding horizon of textile fibers. These fibers, being environmentally friendly, do not pose the toxic and waste disposal problems that are associated with some of the synthetic and mineral fibers. Because of these performance properties, eco-friendly fibers can be incorporated as a whole or part of materials and products of various forms for a wide range of applications. One such eco-friendly fibre is the sisal fibre, which has high potential as a textile fibre. Softening treatment was carried out on sisal fibre, in order to impart the smooth feel, lusture and handle of the fibre. Three Popular varieties of sisal in Andhra Pradesh were considered for the study, extracted fibre and enzyme treatment was given with four concentrations. Among all the fibers varieties, Agave Webert variety was found to have better physical characteristics before and after pretreatment.