Using cellulases to improve the dimensional stability of cellulosic fabrics

Cellulosic fabrics of various constructions and fiber compositions are treated with cellulases under pad-batch conditions. All treated fabrics exhibit commercially significant improvements in dimensional stability after subsequent washing and drying cycles. The enzyme treatments are optimized in terms of cellulase concentration, wet pick-up, cellu lase composition, and batching time. Development samples of specific EG-rich cellulases used at 1.0 to 5.0 mg per gram of fabric give good results in terms of low shrinkage. with fabric weight and strength losses well within commercially acceptable limits. The im provements in dimensional stability compare favorably with those achieved by durable press finishing, but without deterioration of fabric handle. This work formed part of a wider European Commission-funded project (Brile-Euram III project 2157), and a patent application relating to the preferred cellulase/pad-batch process has been filed (WO0153592, published in August 2001).