Study on Modification of Physical Properties of Khadi Fabrics by Enzymatic Treatment

Abstract Enzymes are present in living organisms but are not living themselves. Enzymes are very mild components in the environment. Enzymes acts as a molecular worker offering an answer to the desire for a cleaner more gentle less polluting, non-aggressive and hyper genic chemistry with minimum damage to textile substrate and the environment. Present investigation was aimed to assess the effect of enzymatic agents on physical properties of khadi fabrics. Cotton khadi and cotton blend khadi fabrics have been selected for this study. Physical properties of treated fabrics were analyzed statistically. Enzymatic treatment was given at different concentrations. The treated khadi fabrics were evaluated in terms of fabric weight loss, stiffness, tensile strength, tearing strength, crease recovery and drapability. It was found that as the concentration of enzymes increased, drapability and number of nodes of treated fabrics were also increased. Cellulase treated fabrics were graded as the best (highest THV), followed closely by amylase treated fabrics.