Effect of surface treatment on the enzymatic treatment of cellulosic fiber

Fiber modifications by environmentally friendly processing are essential in order to simplify the preparation and finishing processes, in addition to minimizing the chemical waste and associated disposal problem. In this regard, enzymes have been used extensively because it can remove the small fiber ends from yarn surface to create a smooth fabric surface appearance and introduce a degree of softness without using traditional chemical treatment. However, a significant strength reduction and slow reaction rate of the enzymatic reaction limit its industrial application. In this paper, the potential of using low-temperature plasma (LTP) as a surface pre-treatment prior to enzyme treatment on flax fiber has been studied. By means of the LTP pre-treatment, the effectiveness of enzyme treatment can be enhanced.