CA2132300A1 - A process for defuzzing and depilling cellulosic fabrics - Google Patents
A process for defuzzing and depilling cellulosic fabricsInfo
- Publication number
- CA2132300A1 CA2132300A1 CA002132300A CA2132300A CA2132300A1 CA 2132300 A1 CA2132300 A1 CA 2132300A1 CA 002132300 A CA002132300 A CA 002132300A CA 2132300 A CA2132300 A CA 2132300A CA 2132300 A1 CA2132300 A1 CA 2132300A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- fabric
- treatment
- mechanical
- process according
- cellulase
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06M—TREATMENT, NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE IN CLASS D06, OF FIBRES, THREADS, YARNS, FABRICS, FEATHERS OR FIBROUS GOODS MADE FROM SUCH MATERIALS
- D06M16/00—Biochemical treatment of fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics, or fibrous goods made from such materials, e.g. enzymatic
- D06M16/003—Biochemical treatment of fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics, or fibrous goods made from such materials, e.g. enzymatic with enzymes or microorganisms
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06L—DRY-CLEANING, WASHING OR BLEACHING FIBRES, FILAMENTS, THREADS, YARNS, FABRICS, FEATHERS OR MADE-UP FIBROUS GOODS; BLEACHING LEATHER OR FURS
- D06L1/00—Dry-cleaning or washing fibres, filaments, threads, yarns, fabrics, feathers or made-up fibrous goods
- D06L1/12—Dry-cleaning or washing fibres, filaments, threads, yarns, fabrics, feathers or made-up fibrous goods using aqueous solvents
- D06L1/14—De-sizing
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Biochemistry (AREA)
- Microbiology (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Or Physical Treatment Of Fibers (AREA)
- Medicinal Preparation (AREA)
- Seasonings (AREA)
- General Preparation And Processing Of Foods (AREA)
- Treatment Of Fiber Materials (AREA)
- Polysaccharides And Polysaccharide Derivatives (AREA)
Abstract
This invention is in the field of Bio-Polishing. More specifically, the invention relates to a process for achieving Bio-Polishing effects during the manufacture of cellulosic fabrics.
Description
~WO 93/20278 2 1 3 2 3 PCI /DK93/l)U126 A PROCESS FOR DEFUZING AND DEPILLING GELLULC)SIC FABRICS
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a prscess for defuzing and depilling cellulosic fabrics.
s BACKGROUND ART
Without the application of finishing components, most cotton fabrics and cotton blend fabrics have a handle appearan~e that is rather hard and stffl.The fabric surface also is not smooth because small fuz2y microfibrils protrude from it. In addition, after a relatively short period of wear, pilling appears on the o fabric surface thereby giving it an unappèaling, worn look.
A high degree of fabric softness and smoothness can be obtained by usin~ fine (low-denier) yarns in weaving. However, the resulting cost is highas the loom output decreases concurrently with the (weft) yarn diameter.
A less expensive way of ensuring a soft and smooth fabric "handle"
5 iS to impregnate the finished fabric with a softening agent, typically a cationic, ' sometimes silicone-based, surface active compound. This treatmer~ a!so has some functional disadvantages~ It does not remove pills and fuzz. The fabric obtains a somewhat greasy "handle" and its moisture absorbency is often consWerably reduced, which is a great disadvantage, especially with towels and 20 underwear. Moreover, the fabric is n~ wash-proof.
Another method for obtaining a soft and smooth fabric is subjecting cellulosic fabrics to treatment by cellulytic enzymes during their manufacture.
This treatment is known as Bio-Polishing.
Bio~Polishing is a specific treatment of the yarn surface which 25 improves fabric quality with respect to handle and appearance without loss offabric wettability. The most important effects of Bio-Polishing can be WO 93/20278 PCI/DK93/001~
~3~3~
characterized by less fuz and pilling, increased gloss/luster, improved fabric handle, increased durable softness and improved water absorbency.
Bio-Polishing usually takes place in the wet processing of the manufacture of knitted and woven fabrics. Wet processing comprises such steps 5 as e.g. desizing, scouring, bleaching, washing, dying/printing and finishing.
During each of these steps, the fabric is more or less subjected to mechanical action.
In general, after the textiles have been knitted or woven, the fabric proceeds to a desizing stage, followed by a scouring stage, etc~ Desizing is the10 act of removing size from textiles. Prior to weaving on mechanical looms, warp yarns are often coated with size starch or starch derivatives in order to increase their tensile strength. After weaving, the size coating must be removed before further processing the fabric in order to ensure a homogeneous and wash-proof result. The preferred method of desking is enzymatic hydrolysis of the size by 5 the action of amylases.
It is known that in order to achieve the effects of Bio-Polishing, a combination of enzymatic action and mechanical action is req~ired. It is also known that if the enzymatic treatment is combined with a conventional treatment with so~tening agents, "super-so~tness" is achievable.
It was hitherto believed that enzymatic and mechanical action had to take p,ace simultaneously and that the effect of enzymatic action ceased once the enzyme became inactivated. Consequently, the enzymatic action and the mechanical action hitherto have been carried out in a single separate step of the manufacturing process as a batch process, e.g. in a high-speed circular system 25 such as "jetloverfloY~t' dyeing machines and high-speed winches, where a combination ~f enzymatic and mechanical action can be obtained. Bio-Polishing, therefore, could be incorporated into existing continuous fabric manufacturing process only with great difficulty.
It is the object of the present invention to provide a process for 30 achieving Bio-Polishing effects which (1) can be implemented in existing :~ ' .~'O 93/20278 213 2 3 0 0 PCI/DK93/00126 processes and in existing apparatus, (2) can be adapted to continuous processes and (3) is time saving.
SUMMARY OF ~HE INVEN~lON
The present invention is directed to a process for achieving Bio-5 Polishing effects during the manufacture of cellulosic fabrics comprising the successive steps of (1) cellulase treatment of a fabric, essentially without mechanical treatment, and (2) mechanical treatment of the fabric.
DETAIIED DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a process for achieving Bi~Polishing o effects during the manufacture of cellulosic fabrics. The process of the invention finds application in treatment of cellulosic yarns or materials. The materials may be woven or knitted, and may be made of cellulosic fibers, e.g. cott~n, cotton/polyester blends, viscose (rayon), viscose/polyester blends, flax (linen) and ramie or other fabrics containing cellulose fibers.
It has surprisingly been found that Bio-Polishing effects can be obtained if enzymatic action and mechanical action are performed separately or Hsnzyrnatic action is t~rminated before mechanical action is exerted. It is, therefore, now possible to achieve the desired Bio-Polishing cffects even thoughsnzymatic action and mechanical action take place in dmerent steps.
The process of the present invention has many advantages. It is time saving. It can be implemented in existing processes and existing apparatus,and can be adapted to continuous processes as well.
The process of the invention comprises the successive steps of cellulase treatment of the fabric and mechanical treatment of the fabric. The 2s cellulase treatment is performed essentially without mechanical treatment, but may be also performed without any mechanical treatment at all.
WO 93/20278 PCI`/DK93/001~
~,~3~3 4 The process of bringing an enzyme solution into contact with the fabric in itself requires a certain degree of mechanical action. Moreover, if the enzymatic treatment is performed simultaneously with e.g. desking, a certain mechanical action is exerted during this step. Characteristic of these processes, s however, is that the mechanical action exerted during the cellulase treatment is inadequate to achieve the desired Bio-Polishing effects, and that subsequent mechanical treatment is required.
Ths separate steps of the process of the invention may be carried out in combination with or incorporated into other procedures belonging to the 10 wet processing of the manufacture of fabrics (e.g. desking, scouring, bleaching, dying/printing, washing and finishing) or they may be interposed between or separated by other such procedures.
Any enzymatic treatment requires a certain hold-time in order to ; obtain an optimum effect. A major feature of the present invention is that the s cellulytic enzymes do not necessarily have to be active during mechanical treatrnent of the fabric. It has surprisingly been found that the desired effects can be obtained only if a certain hold-time is maintained during the cellulase treatment. Whether the cellulytic enzymes become inactivated immediately after the enzymatic treatment of the fabric or later during mechanical treatment of t~te fabric really does not matter, as long as a hold-time of a certain extent is maintained.
Accordingly, in one embodiment of the process of the invention, mechanical traatment of the fabric is accomplished subsequent to inacbvation of the cellulytic enzymes, e.g. during one or more of the remaining fabric ~s manufacturing processes or as an additional step. In another embodiment of the process of the invention, inactivation of the cellulytic enzymes occurs during mechanical treatment of the fabric. In a further embodiment of the process of the invention, inactivation of the cellulytic enzymes occurs àfter mechanical treatment of the fabric.
Inactivation of the cellulytic enzymes can take place in various ways.
For example, inactivation occurs if the temperature or pH is elevated to a certain ~0 93/20278 21 3 2 3 0 0 pcr/DK93/ool26 level for a certain psriod, depending on the thermostability or the pH tolerance of the enzyme employed. Certain aggressive agents, e.g. bleaching agents, may also inactivate enzymes.
The enzymatic treatment can be carried out in continuous 5 processes and in existing apparatus, where the required hold-time can be maintained, e.g. in a J-Box, on a Pad-Roll, in a Pad-Bath, etc. This is another major feature of the present invention.
Cellulase treatment The process of the invention comprises cellulase treatment of the 10 fabric.
Cellulytic enzymes are well known. Preferred cellulytic enzymes are cellulases derived from fungi belonging to the genera Humicola, e.g. H.
Ianuainosa, H. insobns or H. arisea var. thermoidea; Actinomyces; Trichoderma, e.g. T. viride or T. IoMibrachiatum; Myrothecium, e.g. M. verrucaria; Asperaillus, 15 e.g. A. niaer or A. orvzae; Botrvtis, e.g. B. cinerea; or cellulases derived brom bàcteria belonging to the genera Bacillus; Cellulomonas; Aeromonas;
StrePtomyces; or Hvmenomvcetes.
A commercially available cellulase product is e.g. Cellusoft~, supplied by Novo Nordisk AIS, Denmark. --As mentioned above, csllulase treatment o~ the fabric may becarried out simultaneously with other fabric manufacturing procedures, e.g.
desizing.
Cellulase treatment according to the present invention and desking are reconcilable processes that can be eonducted at the sàme conditions, i.e.
2s pH, temperature, dosage/time ratio, etc. By performing these processes simultaneously, the overall fabric manufacturing process becomes shortened.
Such time saving arrangements are a major benefit of the process of the invention.
Enzyme dosage greatly depends on the enzyme reaction time, i.e. a 30 relatively short enzymatic reaction time necessitates a relatively increased enzyme ~ . ~
WO 93/20278 PCI`/DK93/OOl~
~3~oo dosags, and vice versa. In general, enzyme dosage may be stipulated in accordance with the reaction time available. In this way cellulase treatment of the fabric according to the present invention can be brought into conformity with e.g.
the desizing conditions, if for instance these two reactions are to be carried out s simultaneously.
An enzyme dosage/time ratio similar to what is known from conventional Bio-Polishing may be used. Preferred enzyme dosages are from 100 to 100,000 NCU/kg fabric, and preferred reaction times are *om 1 minute to 24 hours.
In the cor~text of this invention, cellulase activity can be expressed in Novo Cellulase Units (NCU). One NCU is defined as the amount of enzyme which forms an amount of reducing car~ohydrates equivalent to 1 ,umol glucose per minute under standard conditions (i.e. pH 4.80; Buffer 0.1 M acetate;
Substrate 10 g/l Hercules CMC ~pe 7 UD; Incub. temp. 40.0 C; Incub. time 20 min; Enz~ conc. approx. Q041 NCU/ml). A folder, AF 187.2, describing this -analytical method is available upon request from Novo Nordisk A/S, Denmark, which is incorporated herein by reference. "
The performance of cellulytic enzymes greatly depends on process conditions such as e.g. pH and temperature. In accomplishing the process oP
20 this invention, of course; factors such as e.g. pH-dependent performance and thermal stability should be taken irsto consideration in the choice of cellulytic enzymes.
Other conditions such as e.g. the addition of wetting agents, etc., also depend on the overall process to be performed, as well as the enzyme 2s employed.
Mechanical treatmen~
The process of the invention also comprises mechanical treatment of the fabric. If mechanical treatment is not accomplished no Bio-Polishing effects occur.
,~WO 93/20278 PCI'/DK93/00126 21~2300 In the process of the invention essentially no mechanical treatment takes place during cellulase treatment of the fabric, i.e. the mechanical action that takes place during cellulase treatment is inadequate or negligible in relation to the mechanical action necessary for obtaining the desired (i.e. optimal) Bio-Polishing s effects.
In the context of this invention any mechanical action that takes place subsequent to cellulase treatment of the fabric and throughout the remaining part of the fabric manufac~uring process is to be considered a mechanical treatment of the fabric. Mechanical ~reatment may occur during wet 10 processing, e.g. during scouring, bleaching, washing, dying/printing and finishing.
Looked upon isolated, none of the above steps may bring about sufficient mechanical action to obtain the desired Bio-Polishing effects. However, subsequent to the ceilulase treatment step, every stèp in the remaining part of the fabric manufacturing process contributes to the overall mechanical treatment of 5 the fabric. Moreover, an additional step involving mechanical treatment may beintroduced into the process of the invention to ensure sufficient mechanical treatment.
Mechanical action may be caused by tumbling, by passing the fabric over rollers or cylindsrs, by pulling, tugging or stretching thc fabric or b~
20 blasting or sparging the fabric. --Mechanical treatment according to ~his invention should b~ sufficientto obtain the desired Bio-Polishing effects. The proce~s of the present invention may be controlled by monitoring the weight loss of the fabric during mechanical treatment. A weight loss of 0.~10%, preferably 1-8%, more preferably 2-7% and most preferably 3-5%, will usually give proper softness and still keep the loss of strength-at an acceptable level.
At a minimum, mechanical treatment sufficient to achieve Bio-Polishing effects is the mechanical action on fabrics during wash, i.e. tumbling, for 10 minutes in a washing machine (Washer Extractor, 501, 25 rpm)~ or any 30 mechanical action equivalent thereto.
WO 93~20278 PCI~DK93/0012f .
~,~3?.30~ 8 The invention is further illustrated in the following examples which should not be construed to limit the scope of the present invention.
E~AMPLE 1 .
Softeninq Example s Towels (100% cotton) were immersed for approximately 1 min. in a bath with or without Cellusoft~M (Cellulase containing Bio-Polishing agent, having a ~ellulytic activity of 1,500 NCU/g, supplied by Novo Nordisk A~S, Denmark). A pHof 5.2 was measured.
The towels were then placed in a plastic bag and left at ambient or 10 elevated temperatures for various lengths of time, cf. Table 1. The enzyme reaction was stopped by rinse in cold, diluted NaOH, pH 10.
Subsequently, the towels were washed (i.e. mechanical treatment by tumbling) in a washing machine (model Washer Extractor, 50 L, 25 rpm) for 15 min. at 55C. The liquid/fabric ratio was 10:1.
Ultimately the fabric was line dried.
The results of this trial are presented in Table 1 below.
~ WO 93/2fl278 213 2 3 0 0 PCI`/DK93/00126 Table l Enzyme Reduction of Stiffness2' Softness3' Enzyme Dosage Lint-Ballsl' Reaction (NCU/I) (kg) Time .
1,500 2 1.13 1 4 hrs/rm. temp.
1,500 3 1.09 1 18 hrs/rm. tèmp.
1,500 4 0.93 2 1 hr/60C
15,000 3 1.00 1 4 hrs/rm. temp.
1o _ -4 be~ter than 3 > 2 ~ 1 " Visual evaluation 2) Fabric stKfness test (on a KingTM stiffness tester) 3) Panel ranking Table 1 shows that satisfactory softening effect and reduction of lint-balls were obtained by the process of the invention.
Desizinq and Softenin~ Example Towels (100% cotton in loop yarn, and 90% cotton and iO%
polyester in warp and weft yarn~ were treated at a liquid/fabric ratio of 10:1 and pH 5.2, at the following conditions:
A: ~ 3 9/1 Beroi 08~1';
1 9/l Thermozyme 120T~2'; and 2s No cellulase.
B: 3 g/l Berol 08~M;
1 g/l Thermozyme 1201M; and 1 g/l Cellusoft C: 3 g/l Berol 08nlA;
1 g/l Thermozyme 120~M; and 10 9/l Cellusoft~A.
W O 93/20278 PC~r/DK93/00126~
~3~3oo " Fatty alcohol ethoxylate, a surfactant supplied by Berol AB, Sweden.
2) Desking agent containing ~-amylase, having a amylolytic activity of 120 units/g, supplied by Novo Nordisk A/S, Denmark.
3) Cellulase containing Bio-Polishing agent, having a cellulytic aetivity of 1,500 NCU/g, supplied by Novo Nordisk AJS, Denmark.
The towels were soaked for 1 hour at 60C. Afterwards the towels wera centrifugated for 5 minutes in a household machine, and th~ enzyrne was inactivated with 20 mM NaOH, pH 10.
Subsequently, the towels were washed (i.e. mechanical treatment) in a washing machine (model Washer Extractor, 501, 25 rpm) for 60 min. at 60C, at a liquid/fabric ratio of 10:1.
Ultimately, the ~abric was line dried.
The results of this trial are presented in Table 2 below.
Table 2 Enzyme Reduction ofStfflness~ Softness3' Dosage lint-balls"
(NCU/I) (kg) 20 A 0 1 1.03 B 1,51ND 2 0.96 2 C 15,000 3 1.02 3 , 3 bet~er than 2, better than 1 1) Visual evaluation Fabric stfflness test (on a KinglM stiffness tester) 3' Panel ranking Table 2 shows that satisfactory softening e~fect and reduction of lint-30 balls were obtained by the process of the invention.
WO 93/20278 2 1 3 2 3 o o PCr/DlC93/00126 Softenina Example Towels (similar to the towels used in Example 2) were washed 2 times with 2 g/l AIIFM detergent.
s Afterwards the fabric was treated at a liquid/fabric ratio of 10:1 and pH 5.2, at the following conditions:
A: 3 g/l Berol 08TM; and No Cellusoft.
B: 3 9/l Berol 08TM; and o 1 g/l Cellusoft~M.
The towels were soaked for 1 hour at 60C. A~terwards ths towels were centr-~ugated for 5 minutes in a household machine, and the enzyme was inactivated with 20 mM NaOH, pH 1û.
Subsequently, the towels were washed (i.e. mechanical treatment) in 5 a washing machine (model Washer Extractor, 50 L, 25 rpm) for 60 min. at 55C, at a liquid/fabric ratio of 10~
Ultimately, the fabric was line dried.
The results of this trial are presented in Table 3 below.
wo 93/20~78 pcr/DKs3/ool26 t 3~,3~ 12 Table 3 Enzyme Reduction ofStiffness2'Softness3' Dosage Lint-Ballsl' (NCU/I) (kg) ~
A 0 1 1.46 B 1,500 2 1.37 2 . .
" Visual evaluation 0 2) Fabric stiffness test (on a KingTM stfflness tester~
3) Panel ranking Table 3 shows that the process of the invention achieves satisfactory softening effect and reduction of lint-balls.
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a prscess for defuzing and depilling cellulosic fabrics.
s BACKGROUND ART
Without the application of finishing components, most cotton fabrics and cotton blend fabrics have a handle appearan~e that is rather hard and stffl.The fabric surface also is not smooth because small fuz2y microfibrils protrude from it. In addition, after a relatively short period of wear, pilling appears on the o fabric surface thereby giving it an unappèaling, worn look.
A high degree of fabric softness and smoothness can be obtained by usin~ fine (low-denier) yarns in weaving. However, the resulting cost is highas the loom output decreases concurrently with the (weft) yarn diameter.
A less expensive way of ensuring a soft and smooth fabric "handle"
5 iS to impregnate the finished fabric with a softening agent, typically a cationic, ' sometimes silicone-based, surface active compound. This treatmer~ a!so has some functional disadvantages~ It does not remove pills and fuzz. The fabric obtains a somewhat greasy "handle" and its moisture absorbency is often consWerably reduced, which is a great disadvantage, especially with towels and 20 underwear. Moreover, the fabric is n~ wash-proof.
Another method for obtaining a soft and smooth fabric is subjecting cellulosic fabrics to treatment by cellulytic enzymes during their manufacture.
This treatment is known as Bio-Polishing.
Bio~Polishing is a specific treatment of the yarn surface which 25 improves fabric quality with respect to handle and appearance without loss offabric wettability. The most important effects of Bio-Polishing can be WO 93/20278 PCI/DK93/001~
~3~3~
characterized by less fuz and pilling, increased gloss/luster, improved fabric handle, increased durable softness and improved water absorbency.
Bio-Polishing usually takes place in the wet processing of the manufacture of knitted and woven fabrics. Wet processing comprises such steps 5 as e.g. desizing, scouring, bleaching, washing, dying/printing and finishing.
During each of these steps, the fabric is more or less subjected to mechanical action.
In general, after the textiles have been knitted or woven, the fabric proceeds to a desizing stage, followed by a scouring stage, etc~ Desizing is the10 act of removing size from textiles. Prior to weaving on mechanical looms, warp yarns are often coated with size starch or starch derivatives in order to increase their tensile strength. After weaving, the size coating must be removed before further processing the fabric in order to ensure a homogeneous and wash-proof result. The preferred method of desking is enzymatic hydrolysis of the size by 5 the action of amylases.
It is known that in order to achieve the effects of Bio-Polishing, a combination of enzymatic action and mechanical action is req~ired. It is also known that if the enzymatic treatment is combined with a conventional treatment with so~tening agents, "super-so~tness" is achievable.
It was hitherto believed that enzymatic and mechanical action had to take p,ace simultaneously and that the effect of enzymatic action ceased once the enzyme became inactivated. Consequently, the enzymatic action and the mechanical action hitherto have been carried out in a single separate step of the manufacturing process as a batch process, e.g. in a high-speed circular system 25 such as "jetloverfloY~t' dyeing machines and high-speed winches, where a combination ~f enzymatic and mechanical action can be obtained. Bio-Polishing, therefore, could be incorporated into existing continuous fabric manufacturing process only with great difficulty.
It is the object of the present invention to provide a process for 30 achieving Bio-Polishing effects which (1) can be implemented in existing :~ ' .~'O 93/20278 213 2 3 0 0 PCI/DK93/00126 processes and in existing apparatus, (2) can be adapted to continuous processes and (3) is time saving.
SUMMARY OF ~HE INVEN~lON
The present invention is directed to a process for achieving Bio-5 Polishing effects during the manufacture of cellulosic fabrics comprising the successive steps of (1) cellulase treatment of a fabric, essentially without mechanical treatment, and (2) mechanical treatment of the fabric.
DETAIIED DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a process for achieving Bi~Polishing o effects during the manufacture of cellulosic fabrics. The process of the invention finds application in treatment of cellulosic yarns or materials. The materials may be woven or knitted, and may be made of cellulosic fibers, e.g. cott~n, cotton/polyester blends, viscose (rayon), viscose/polyester blends, flax (linen) and ramie or other fabrics containing cellulose fibers.
It has surprisingly been found that Bio-Polishing effects can be obtained if enzymatic action and mechanical action are performed separately or Hsnzyrnatic action is t~rminated before mechanical action is exerted. It is, therefore, now possible to achieve the desired Bio-Polishing cffects even thoughsnzymatic action and mechanical action take place in dmerent steps.
The process of the present invention has many advantages. It is time saving. It can be implemented in existing processes and existing apparatus,and can be adapted to continuous processes as well.
The process of the invention comprises the successive steps of cellulase treatment of the fabric and mechanical treatment of the fabric. The 2s cellulase treatment is performed essentially without mechanical treatment, but may be also performed without any mechanical treatment at all.
WO 93/20278 PCI`/DK93/001~
~,~3~3 4 The process of bringing an enzyme solution into contact with the fabric in itself requires a certain degree of mechanical action. Moreover, if the enzymatic treatment is performed simultaneously with e.g. desking, a certain mechanical action is exerted during this step. Characteristic of these processes, s however, is that the mechanical action exerted during the cellulase treatment is inadequate to achieve the desired Bio-Polishing effects, and that subsequent mechanical treatment is required.
Ths separate steps of the process of the invention may be carried out in combination with or incorporated into other procedures belonging to the 10 wet processing of the manufacture of fabrics (e.g. desking, scouring, bleaching, dying/printing, washing and finishing) or they may be interposed between or separated by other such procedures.
Any enzymatic treatment requires a certain hold-time in order to ; obtain an optimum effect. A major feature of the present invention is that the s cellulytic enzymes do not necessarily have to be active during mechanical treatrnent of the fabric. It has surprisingly been found that the desired effects can be obtained only if a certain hold-time is maintained during the cellulase treatment. Whether the cellulytic enzymes become inactivated immediately after the enzymatic treatment of the fabric or later during mechanical treatment of t~te fabric really does not matter, as long as a hold-time of a certain extent is maintained.
Accordingly, in one embodiment of the process of the invention, mechanical traatment of the fabric is accomplished subsequent to inacbvation of the cellulytic enzymes, e.g. during one or more of the remaining fabric ~s manufacturing processes or as an additional step. In another embodiment of the process of the invention, inactivation of the cellulytic enzymes occurs during mechanical treatment of the fabric. In a further embodiment of the process of the invention, inactivation of the cellulytic enzymes occurs àfter mechanical treatment of the fabric.
Inactivation of the cellulytic enzymes can take place in various ways.
For example, inactivation occurs if the temperature or pH is elevated to a certain ~0 93/20278 21 3 2 3 0 0 pcr/DK93/ool26 level for a certain psriod, depending on the thermostability or the pH tolerance of the enzyme employed. Certain aggressive agents, e.g. bleaching agents, may also inactivate enzymes.
The enzymatic treatment can be carried out in continuous 5 processes and in existing apparatus, where the required hold-time can be maintained, e.g. in a J-Box, on a Pad-Roll, in a Pad-Bath, etc. This is another major feature of the present invention.
Cellulase treatment The process of the invention comprises cellulase treatment of the 10 fabric.
Cellulytic enzymes are well known. Preferred cellulytic enzymes are cellulases derived from fungi belonging to the genera Humicola, e.g. H.
Ianuainosa, H. insobns or H. arisea var. thermoidea; Actinomyces; Trichoderma, e.g. T. viride or T. IoMibrachiatum; Myrothecium, e.g. M. verrucaria; Asperaillus, 15 e.g. A. niaer or A. orvzae; Botrvtis, e.g. B. cinerea; or cellulases derived brom bàcteria belonging to the genera Bacillus; Cellulomonas; Aeromonas;
StrePtomyces; or Hvmenomvcetes.
A commercially available cellulase product is e.g. Cellusoft~, supplied by Novo Nordisk AIS, Denmark. --As mentioned above, csllulase treatment o~ the fabric may becarried out simultaneously with other fabric manufacturing procedures, e.g.
desizing.
Cellulase treatment according to the present invention and desking are reconcilable processes that can be eonducted at the sàme conditions, i.e.
2s pH, temperature, dosage/time ratio, etc. By performing these processes simultaneously, the overall fabric manufacturing process becomes shortened.
Such time saving arrangements are a major benefit of the process of the invention.
Enzyme dosage greatly depends on the enzyme reaction time, i.e. a 30 relatively short enzymatic reaction time necessitates a relatively increased enzyme ~ . ~
WO 93/20278 PCI`/DK93/OOl~
~3~oo dosags, and vice versa. In general, enzyme dosage may be stipulated in accordance with the reaction time available. In this way cellulase treatment of the fabric according to the present invention can be brought into conformity with e.g.
the desizing conditions, if for instance these two reactions are to be carried out s simultaneously.
An enzyme dosage/time ratio similar to what is known from conventional Bio-Polishing may be used. Preferred enzyme dosages are from 100 to 100,000 NCU/kg fabric, and preferred reaction times are *om 1 minute to 24 hours.
In the cor~text of this invention, cellulase activity can be expressed in Novo Cellulase Units (NCU). One NCU is defined as the amount of enzyme which forms an amount of reducing car~ohydrates equivalent to 1 ,umol glucose per minute under standard conditions (i.e. pH 4.80; Buffer 0.1 M acetate;
Substrate 10 g/l Hercules CMC ~pe 7 UD; Incub. temp. 40.0 C; Incub. time 20 min; Enz~ conc. approx. Q041 NCU/ml). A folder, AF 187.2, describing this -analytical method is available upon request from Novo Nordisk A/S, Denmark, which is incorporated herein by reference. "
The performance of cellulytic enzymes greatly depends on process conditions such as e.g. pH and temperature. In accomplishing the process oP
20 this invention, of course; factors such as e.g. pH-dependent performance and thermal stability should be taken irsto consideration in the choice of cellulytic enzymes.
Other conditions such as e.g. the addition of wetting agents, etc., also depend on the overall process to be performed, as well as the enzyme 2s employed.
Mechanical treatmen~
The process of the invention also comprises mechanical treatment of the fabric. If mechanical treatment is not accomplished no Bio-Polishing effects occur.
,~WO 93/20278 PCI'/DK93/00126 21~2300 In the process of the invention essentially no mechanical treatment takes place during cellulase treatment of the fabric, i.e. the mechanical action that takes place during cellulase treatment is inadequate or negligible in relation to the mechanical action necessary for obtaining the desired (i.e. optimal) Bio-Polishing s effects.
In the context of this invention any mechanical action that takes place subsequent to cellulase treatment of the fabric and throughout the remaining part of the fabric manufac~uring process is to be considered a mechanical treatment of the fabric. Mechanical ~reatment may occur during wet 10 processing, e.g. during scouring, bleaching, washing, dying/printing and finishing.
Looked upon isolated, none of the above steps may bring about sufficient mechanical action to obtain the desired Bio-Polishing effects. However, subsequent to the ceilulase treatment step, every stèp in the remaining part of the fabric manufacturing process contributes to the overall mechanical treatment of 5 the fabric. Moreover, an additional step involving mechanical treatment may beintroduced into the process of the invention to ensure sufficient mechanical treatment.
Mechanical action may be caused by tumbling, by passing the fabric over rollers or cylindsrs, by pulling, tugging or stretching thc fabric or b~
20 blasting or sparging the fabric. --Mechanical treatment according to ~his invention should b~ sufficientto obtain the desired Bio-Polishing effects. The proce~s of the present invention may be controlled by monitoring the weight loss of the fabric during mechanical treatment. A weight loss of 0.~10%, preferably 1-8%, more preferably 2-7% and most preferably 3-5%, will usually give proper softness and still keep the loss of strength-at an acceptable level.
At a minimum, mechanical treatment sufficient to achieve Bio-Polishing effects is the mechanical action on fabrics during wash, i.e. tumbling, for 10 minutes in a washing machine (Washer Extractor, 501, 25 rpm)~ or any 30 mechanical action equivalent thereto.
WO 93~20278 PCI~DK93/0012f .
~,~3?.30~ 8 The invention is further illustrated in the following examples which should not be construed to limit the scope of the present invention.
E~AMPLE 1 .
Softeninq Example s Towels (100% cotton) were immersed for approximately 1 min. in a bath with or without Cellusoft~M (Cellulase containing Bio-Polishing agent, having a ~ellulytic activity of 1,500 NCU/g, supplied by Novo Nordisk A~S, Denmark). A pHof 5.2 was measured.
The towels were then placed in a plastic bag and left at ambient or 10 elevated temperatures for various lengths of time, cf. Table 1. The enzyme reaction was stopped by rinse in cold, diluted NaOH, pH 10.
Subsequently, the towels were washed (i.e. mechanical treatment by tumbling) in a washing machine (model Washer Extractor, 50 L, 25 rpm) for 15 min. at 55C. The liquid/fabric ratio was 10:1.
Ultimately the fabric was line dried.
The results of this trial are presented in Table 1 below.
~ WO 93/2fl278 213 2 3 0 0 PCI`/DK93/00126 Table l Enzyme Reduction of Stiffness2' Softness3' Enzyme Dosage Lint-Ballsl' Reaction (NCU/I) (kg) Time .
1,500 2 1.13 1 4 hrs/rm. temp.
1,500 3 1.09 1 18 hrs/rm. tèmp.
1,500 4 0.93 2 1 hr/60C
15,000 3 1.00 1 4 hrs/rm. temp.
1o _ -4 be~ter than 3 > 2 ~ 1 " Visual evaluation 2) Fabric stKfness test (on a KingTM stiffness tester) 3) Panel ranking Table 1 shows that satisfactory softening effect and reduction of lint-balls were obtained by the process of the invention.
Desizinq and Softenin~ Example Towels (100% cotton in loop yarn, and 90% cotton and iO%
polyester in warp and weft yarn~ were treated at a liquid/fabric ratio of 10:1 and pH 5.2, at the following conditions:
A: ~ 3 9/1 Beroi 08~1';
1 9/l Thermozyme 120T~2'; and 2s No cellulase.
B: 3 g/l Berol 08~M;
1 g/l Thermozyme 1201M; and 1 g/l Cellusoft C: 3 g/l Berol 08nlA;
1 g/l Thermozyme 120~M; and 10 9/l Cellusoft~A.
W O 93/20278 PC~r/DK93/00126~
~3~3oo " Fatty alcohol ethoxylate, a surfactant supplied by Berol AB, Sweden.
2) Desking agent containing ~-amylase, having a amylolytic activity of 120 units/g, supplied by Novo Nordisk A/S, Denmark.
3) Cellulase containing Bio-Polishing agent, having a cellulytic aetivity of 1,500 NCU/g, supplied by Novo Nordisk AJS, Denmark.
The towels were soaked for 1 hour at 60C. Afterwards the towels wera centrifugated for 5 minutes in a household machine, and th~ enzyrne was inactivated with 20 mM NaOH, pH 10.
Subsequently, the towels were washed (i.e. mechanical treatment) in a washing machine (model Washer Extractor, 501, 25 rpm) for 60 min. at 60C, at a liquid/fabric ratio of 10:1.
Ultimately, the ~abric was line dried.
The results of this trial are presented in Table 2 below.
Table 2 Enzyme Reduction ofStfflness~ Softness3' Dosage lint-balls"
(NCU/I) (kg) 20 A 0 1 1.03 B 1,51ND 2 0.96 2 C 15,000 3 1.02 3 , 3 bet~er than 2, better than 1 1) Visual evaluation Fabric stfflness test (on a KinglM stiffness tester) 3' Panel ranking Table 2 shows that satisfactory softening e~fect and reduction of lint-30 balls were obtained by the process of the invention.
WO 93/20278 2 1 3 2 3 o o PCr/DlC93/00126 Softenina Example Towels (similar to the towels used in Example 2) were washed 2 times with 2 g/l AIIFM detergent.
s Afterwards the fabric was treated at a liquid/fabric ratio of 10:1 and pH 5.2, at the following conditions:
A: 3 g/l Berol 08TM; and No Cellusoft.
B: 3 9/l Berol 08TM; and o 1 g/l Cellusoft~M.
The towels were soaked for 1 hour at 60C. A~terwards ths towels were centr-~ugated for 5 minutes in a household machine, and the enzyme was inactivated with 20 mM NaOH, pH 1û.
Subsequently, the towels were washed (i.e. mechanical treatment) in 5 a washing machine (model Washer Extractor, 50 L, 25 rpm) for 60 min. at 55C, at a liquid/fabric ratio of 10~
Ultimately, the fabric was line dried.
The results of this trial are presented in Table 3 below.
wo 93/20~78 pcr/DKs3/ool26 t 3~,3~ 12 Table 3 Enzyme Reduction ofStiffness2'Softness3' Dosage Lint-Ballsl' (NCU/I) (kg) ~
A 0 1 1.46 B 1,500 2 1.37 2 . .
" Visual evaluation 0 2) Fabric stiffness test (on a KingTM stfflness tester~
3) Panel ranking Table 3 shows that the process of the invention achieves satisfactory softening effect and reduction of lint-balls.
Claims (10)
1. A process for achieving Bio-Polishing effects during the manufacture of a cellulosic fabric comprising the successive steps of:
(a) cellulase treatment of the fabric, essentially without mechanical s treatment; and (b) mechanical treatment of the fabric.
(a) cellulase treatment of the fabric, essentially without mechanical s treatment; and (b) mechanical treatment of the fabric.
2. The process according to claim 1, wherein cellulase treatment is performed without mechanical treatment.
3. The process according to claim 1, wherein mechanical treatment of fabric is accomplished subsequent to inactivation of the cellulytic enzymes, during one or more of the remaining fabric manufacturing processes or as an additional step.
4. The process according to claim 1, wherein inactivation of the cellulytic enzymes takes place during mechanical treatment of the fabric.
5. The process according to claim 1, wherein inactivation of the cellulytic enzymes takes place after mechanical treatment of the fabric.
6. The process according to claim 1, wherein cellulase treatment of the fabric and desizing are carried out simultaneously.
7. The process according to claim 1, wherein cellulase treatment of the fabric and scouring are carried out simultaneously.
8. The process according to claim 1, wherein the process is performed as a continuous process.
9. The process according to claim 1, wherein cellulase treatment of fabric is accomplished in a J-Box, on a Pad-Roll or in a Pad-Bath.
10. The process according to claim 1 for the manufacturing of towels.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US86399392A | 1992-04-06 | 1992-04-06 | |
| US07/863,993 | 1992-04-06 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2132300A1 true CA2132300A1 (en) | 1993-10-14 |
Family
ID=25342284
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002132300A Abandoned CA2132300A1 (en) | 1992-04-06 | 1993-04-06 | A process for defuzzing and depilling cellulosic fabrics |
Country Status (9)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US6051414A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0635078B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH07505451A (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE142291T1 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9306160A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2132300A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69304520D1 (en) |
| TW (1) | TW281705B (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1993020278A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (17)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5290474A (en) * | 1990-10-05 | 1994-03-01 | Genencor International, Inc. | Detergent composition for treating cotton-containing fabrics containing a surfactant and a cellulase composition containing endolucanase III from trichoderma ssp |
| CA2093422C (en) * | 1990-10-05 | 2001-04-03 | Detergent compositions containing cellulase compositions deficient in cbh i type components | |
| US6300122B1 (en) * | 1991-12-20 | 2001-10-09 | Genencor International | Method for applying enzyme to non-finished cellulosic-containing fabrics to improve appearance and feel characteristics |
| AU1890095A (en) | 1994-03-08 | 1995-09-25 | Novo Nordisk A/S | Novel alkaline cellulases |
| HU215767B (en) * | 1994-07-27 | 1999-02-01 | István Hauer | Thread or yarn based towell product painted with indigo |
| TR199500988A2 (en) * | 1994-08-15 | 1996-06-21 | Nova Nordisk As | A method for removing matrix in fabrics containing cellulose. |
| CN1182451A (en) | 1995-03-17 | 1998-05-20 | 诺沃挪第克公司 | Novel endoglucanases |
| DE19628232A1 (en) * | 1996-07-15 | 1998-01-22 | Kalle Nalo Gmbh | Cellulose hydrate molded body with an enzymatically modified surface |
| US5866407A (en) * | 1997-03-18 | 1999-02-02 | Iogen Corporation | Method and enzyme mixture for improved depilling of cotton goods |
| JP2001518572A (en) * | 1997-09-29 | 2001-10-16 | ノボ ノルディスク バイオケム ノース アメリカ，インコーポレイティド | Treatment of cellulose fabric with cellulase |
| FI974067A0 (en) * | 1997-10-27 | 1997-10-27 | Roehm Enzyme Finland Oy | Process Foer cellulasbehandling |
| PL341512A1 (en) * | 1997-12-19 | 2001-04-23 | Novo Nordisk Biochem Inc | Continuous smoothening of cellulose containing fabrics |
| CN1633496A (en) | 2001-06-06 | 2005-06-29 | 诺和酶股份有限公司 | Endo-beta-1,4-glucanase from bacillus |
| MX2008012999A (en) * | 2006-04-14 | 2008-10-17 | Genencor Int | One-step treatment of textiles. |
| WO2008088724A2 (en) | 2007-01-18 | 2008-07-24 | Danisco Us, Inc., Genencor Division | Modified endoglucanase ii and methods of use |
| BR112015001046B1 (en) * | 2012-08-16 | 2022-06-14 | Novozymes A/S | METHOD TO TREAT A TEXTILE PRODUCT |
| CN104583394B (en) * | 2012-08-16 | 2019-06-07 | 诺维信公司 | Textile treating method with endoglucanases |
Family Cites Families (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US1421613A (en) * | 1920-10-08 | 1922-07-04 | Takamine Jokichi | Process of treating textile and other fabrics, thread, yarn, and the like |
| GB455804A (en) * | 1935-06-20 | 1936-10-28 | Kalle & Co Ag | Improvements in or relating to processes for de-sizing |
| US4489455A (en) * | 1982-10-28 | 1984-12-25 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Method for highly efficient laundering of textiles |
| GB8306645D0 (en) * | 1983-03-10 | 1983-04-13 | Unilever Plc | Detergent compositions |
| GB8421801D0 (en) * | 1984-08-29 | 1984-10-03 | Unilever Plc | Detergent composition |
| GB8421800D0 (en) * | 1984-08-29 | 1984-10-03 | Unilever Plc | Detergent compositions |
| US5019292A (en) * | 1987-06-30 | 1991-05-28 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Detergent compositions |
| US4832864A (en) * | 1987-09-15 | 1989-05-23 | Ecolab Inc. | Compositions and methods that introduce variations in color density into cellulosic fabrics, particularly indigo dyed denim |
| EP0617746B1 (en) * | 1991-12-20 | 1996-03-13 | Genencor International, Inc. | Strength loss resistant methods for improving the softening of cotton toweling and related fabrics |
-
1993
- 1993-04-06 AT AT93908842T patent/ATE142291T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1993-04-06 CA CA002132300A patent/CA2132300A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1993-04-06 WO PCT/DK1993/000126 patent/WO1993020278A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1993-04-06 JP JP5517004A patent/JPH07505451A/en active Pending
- 1993-04-06 DE DE69304520T patent/DE69304520D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1993-04-06 EP EP93908842A patent/EP0635078B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1993-04-06 BR BR9306160A patent/BR9306160A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1993-04-17 TW TW082102949A patent/TW281705B/zh active
-
1995
- 1995-03-29 US US08/415,108 patent/US6051414A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0635078A1 (en) | 1995-01-25 |
| EP0635078B1 (en) | 1996-09-04 |
| ATE142291T1 (en) | 1996-09-15 |
| BR9306160A (en) | 1998-01-13 |
| JPH07505451A (en) | 1995-06-15 |
| WO1993020278A1 (en) | 1993-10-14 |
| TW281705B (en) | 1996-07-21 |
| DE69304520D1 (en) | 1996-10-10 |
| US6051414A (en) | 2000-04-18 |
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