Optimisation of multi-enzyme scouring process using Taguchi methods

Abstract

Scouring of cotton fabrics using combinations of pectinase, cellulase and protease in a single bath – two step has been carried out with optimum process parameters obtained from these enzymes individually. Absorbency and residual extractable impurity levels are found to be better for multi-enzyme scouring as compared to that for scouring using individual enzymes. Though higher weight losses are observed in the multi-enzyme scouring treatment, the strength loss of multi-enzyme scoured samples is not higher than that of samples obtained from individual enzyme scouring. Scaling and adjustment factors identified using Taguchi methods for the above response variables are further substantiated by confirmation tests.