Effect of liquid ammonia, sodium hydroxide/liquid ammonia, and subsequent cellulase treatments on mechanical properties of cotton fabric

Liquid ammonia and cellulase treatments are known to be effective in improv ing the soft hand of cotton fabrics. In this study, cotton fabric is treate d with liquid ammonia, sodium hydroxide/liquid ammonia, and subsequently wi th cellulase. Shearing and bending hysteresis curves are measured with a KE S instrument. Shearing G, bending modulus B, and hysteresis widths 2HG and 2HB are calculated on the basis of the curves. G, B, 2HG, and 2HB decrease with the NH3 treatment, especially with NaOH/NH3. Although independent cell ulase treatment decreases the parameters and produces a soft handle, the co mbination with NH3, NaOH/NH3 and with susequent cellulase is much more effe ctive at improving hand.