Hydrolysis of cotton fibers by cellulase enzyme

Abstract

Abstract Cotton cellulose has been subjected to continuous and repeated enzymatic hydrolysis for different periods. It has been observed that the length of hydrocellulose particles obtained on repeated enzyme action is reduced to about 300–500 Å as compared to 900–3000 Å obtained on prolonged enzyme treatment. Corresponding changes in moisture regain, crystallinity of the hydrolysates, and weight loss brought out by the hydrolysis are also discussed.