Enzymatic hydrophilization of cotton knitted fabric by different methods

In this thesis study, the hydrophilization and bleaching with different enzyme combinations and dyeing with reactive dyestuff of 100% cotton raw knitted fabric by conventional and microwave energy assisted methods. We aims to develop eco-friendly processes that require less energy and water in a shorter time compared to conventional processes. The hydrophilicity, whiteness/yellowness indexes and pilling test performances of pretreated fabrics with pectinase, cellulase and laccase enzymes in different combinations were compared with pretreated fabric with NaOH according to two differenet methods. In addition, all pretreated fabric samples according to both methods were conventionally dyed with C. I. Reactive Black 5. The performances of the combined enzymatic pretreatments, repeatability of pretreatments and dyeing processes, fastness properties to washing and rubbing of dyed fabric samples were investigated. In this study, the combined pretreated and dyed samples have uniform colour, adequate fastness test results and repeatable dyeing. The shortening of the process times and the decreasing of the water requirement have the advantages of the combined processes. Presented thesis work consists of five parts. In the first part, the purpose of working was explained. In the second part, general information about cotton fiber, enzymes structure, properties and working mechanisms and the properties of enzymes used in textile pretreatment and the general properties of reactive dyes were given. In the third part, information about the method of research, application methods, equipments, standards, test methods, used chemicals were presented. The fourth part contains the results obtained from the measurement data obtained, and the fifth part contains general discussion and recommendations. Key words Hydrophility; microwave; cotton; reactive dyeing; surface modification