Fibril Removal from Lyocell by Enzymatic Treatment -Compare NaOH Pre-treatment with Treating Enzyme

Lyocell is a regenerated cellulose fiber manufactured by an environmentally-friendly process. Since the fiber has more crystalline region compared to rayon, lyocell shows higher wet-strength than rayon. Although fibril generation of lyocell is lower than that of rayon because of the reason, the fibril generated during the wet process deteriorates the smooth look and soft touch of the fabric. The efficient way to remove the fibril yet retain the strength property was investigated in this work. In order to scour and remove the fibril from the fabric, cellulase enzymes were introduced and the traditional scouring was carried to be compared. Weight loss, dye-ability, and strength of treated fabric were measured after the treatments. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the surface of the fiber. Among the cellulases used in this work, Denimax 992L showed the best results for removal of fibril with low weight loss and tensile strength loss. The optimal conditions for the enzymatic treatment could be chosen depending on a characteristic for final purpose of the lyocell product.