OPTIMIZING THE USE OF CELLULASE ENZYMES IN FINISHING CELLULOSIC FABRICS

Several cellulosic fabrics were treated with a whole cellulase, a mixt ure of exo- and endo-activities, and a cellulase enriched for a partic ular type of endo-glucanase activity. Linen was the most susceptible t o enzymatic hydrolysis, followed by viscose rayon, cotton, and lyocell . Whole cellulase exhibited higher efficacy than the endo-enriched cel lulase with respect to surface fuzz removal. The endo-enriched cellula se was less agressive than the whole cellulase and resulted in less fa bric damage. The whole cellulase was best for sturdy cotton and lyocel l fabrics and the endo-enriched cellulase was more suitable for linen, rayon, and delicate cotton knits.