Some Important processes in Fabric preparation

Bio-scouring: Scouring yarns and fabric is key to ensuring wettability/absorbency of the textile and ensure consistent dyeing. Conventional scouring requires high temperatures and high consumption of chemicals such as sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide. The conventional scouring process involving the harsh environment is slowly being replaced with environment friendly approach using enzymes. These enzymes remove the non cellulosic impurities present in the fabric. Such a process enhance the absorbency of the fabric without appreciable strength loss and also d help in the proper dyeing and finishing of the fabric. With enzymes, the process is called bioscouring, and it saves water, chemicals, and energy.

Enzyme treatments are safe to use because they only degrade one type of impurities, and do not harm the fibre. Pectinase degrade pectin, protease degrade protein, lipaces degrade all types of waxes, oils and fats. For bioscouring, combination of these enzymes are used. 

Advantages:

• Bioscoured cotton generally softer than conventionally scoured cotton
• No significant difference in colour depth or hue of the cotton fibre after scouring conventionally or bioscouring and there is no change in colour fastness properties 
• Bioscouring is less expensive than conventional scouring process
• Enzymes are bio-degradable, therefore bioscouring is eco-friendly
• Less water consumption in bioscouring, therefore lower effluent
• Saving in water, energy and time in the bioscouring process 
• Bioscouring can be used in batch and continuous process
• Better whiteness in bioscouring than conventional scouring