MICROSTRUCTURAL CHANGES IN SECONDARY CELLULOSE DURING ENZYMATIC BIOPOLISHING
Abstract
In order to restore the primary texture and improve the properties of fabric made from secondary cellulose, enzymatic biopolishing using cellulase was applied. Microstructural changes in secondary cellulose during the biopolishing process, resulting from the breaking of certain chemical bonds and removal of impurities, were identified using FTIR spectroscopy. It was shown that enzymatic treatment increases the degree of amorphousness of the cellulose matrix and enhances its functional and technological properties during chemical finishing processes. The advantages of the biopolymer modification method were confirmed by comparing surface density, tensile strength, abrasion resistance, and air permeability of fabrics made from untreated secondary cellulose, traditionally treated with soap-alkaline solutions, and enzymatically treated.