A Comparative Study on the Effect of Chemical & Enzyme Treatments on the Softening of Sisal Fiber

Prof. (Dr.) Anjali Karolia; Ms. Rasika N. Bhoj

Volume : V, Issue : II, February - 2016

A Comparative Study on the Effect of Chemical & Enzyme Treatments on the Softening of Sisal Fiber

Prof. Dr. Anjali Karolia, Ms. Rasika N. Bhoj

Abstract :

 For thousands of years, natural fibers have been at the core of the textile industry. Minor fibers like flax, jute, banana, sisal, ramie and many other vegetable fibers have been used for more than 8,000 years. Sisal fiber is exceptionally durable with a low maintenance with minimal wear and tear, recyclable, anti–static, does not attract or trap dust particles and exhibits good sound and impact absorbing properties. Though it has strength but also have high stiffness, low cohesiveness which creates problems during end use. So the main purpose of the study was to soften sisal fiber with chemical and enzyme treatment and prepare woven samples from treated fibers. Four different enzymes namely Laccase, Cellulase, Hemicellulase and Pectinase were used to soften the fibers. Enzyme and chemical recipe was standardized for treating fibers. Treated fibers were tested for weight loss, strength, whiteness, SEM, fiber fineness and chemical composition and fibers were spun into yarns on Medleri Charkha. Also yarns were tested for yarn fineness, evenness and for strength. Woven faic was prepared on table loom. Faics were woven in plain weave in which cotton yarns were used in warp direction and yarns prepared from treated fibers were used in weft direction.