Enhanced Bleaching and Softening of Jute Pretreated with Polysaccharide Degrading Enzymes

Abstract

Treating jute fibers with enzymes effects an increase in pore volume (46.2%), which leads to an increased capacity to retain peroxide (25.5%) and a larger surface area of lignin accessible to the oxidant (∼30%). Improved bleaching is therefore achieved. Enzyme treatment increases transverse swelling (14%) and reduces bulk torsional rigidity (12.5%), making the fibers more flexible and therefore softer. The removal of cementing materials such as hemicellulose and lignin by bleaching is enhanced by enzyme pretreatment, resulting in better filamentation and fineness. Scanning electron micrographs confirm this. Experiments with purified enzyme preparations have shown that xylanase pretreatment predominates in facilitating bleaching, and cellulase in the swelling or softening. An appropriate combination of the two is required to obtain optimal effects.

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