Combination of acid‐demineralization and enzymatic desizing of cotton fabrics by using industrial acid stable glucoamylases and α‐amylases

Abstract

Abstract In this study, the possibility of simultaneous acid‐demineralization and enzymatic desizing of cotton fabric in acidic conditions (pH 2) by using industrial acid stable enzymes has been investigated. Acid‐demineralization is necessary to remove undesired cationic metals and earth alkalis. Our experiments showed that by use of a mixture of two appropriate enzymes, a glucoamylase (Multifect GA 10L) and an α‐amylase (Optisize Next) in a solution of citric acid and presence of a chelating agent, enzymatic desizing, and acid‐demineralization can be successfully carried out at the same time. Therefore, two processes of pretreatment were integrated into a single process, which can effectively reduce time and costs for textile industry.