Accessibility of mercerized, bioscoured and dried cotton yarns

Abstract

The structure of cotton yarns mercerized, bioscoured using acid and alkaline pectinases and dried at different temperatures has been studied using X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. The accessibility is investigated in terms of monolayer capacity, moisture regain, water retention values, and diffusion coefficient of the Congo Red dye. It is observed that the drying at 80^oC does not change the crystallinity, but type of scouring changes the cotton accessibility towards water and dyes. The temperature of the drying and type of scouring show significant influence on the monolayer capacity, moisture regain and water retention values.