Enzymatic treatment of wool fabrics with lipase in the improvement of some properties of wool fabrics

The enzymatic treatment of textiles significantly improves some of their physicochemical properties as well as increases their aesthetic values and comfort of use. Enzymes can be used in order to develop environmentally friendly processes by reducing the concentration of chemical agents, water and energy consumption. Wool fabrics were pretreated with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of stabiliser imino disuccinic acid sodium salt (IDAS). The eff ECT of after-treatment of the pre-oxidised wool fabric with commercially produced lipase enzyme on its dyeability with acid dyes, as well as on some of its physico-mechanical properties, was assessed. Wool fabrics treated with hydrogen peroxide / imino disuccinic acid sodium salt / lipase enzyme exhibit improved wettability and, hence, dyeability with acid dyes, as well as enhanced resistance to felting shrinkage and pilling.