Efficacy of solvent, alkali and pectinase on removal of non-cellulosics from cotton fibres

Abstract

The physical properties of different varieties of cotton fibres of various origins have been studied after extraction using solvents and alkali scouring with reference to enzyme scouring process. Enzyme scoured samples show comparable results with that of solvent extracted and alkali scoured samples in terms of fibre fineness, weight loss, moisture regain, strength and elongation. The scouring processes improve the properties of the fibres in the order: solvent extraction < enzyme scouring < ammonium oxalate extraction < alkali scouring.