Effect of enzymatic treatment on the properties of linen cottonin

The article presents the results of a study of the process of biochemical flax fiber cottonization using multi - enzyme compositions, including pectinolytic and cellulolytic enzymes. The methods and results of determining the activity of the enzymes used are presented. Bioscouring of cottonized flax fiber was carried out, using pectolytic and cellulolytic enzymes with following peroxide bleaching. Treatment with high concentrations of cellulolytic enzymes significantly increased the short fiber index and reduced fiber strength. Enzyme treatment with pectinases and their mixtures with cellulase led to the production of cottonized fiber with a degree of whiteness higher by 4.3-4.5 %; a linear density lower by 12-25 %; a weight loss by 52-54 % lower in comparison with the traditionally prepared fiber. The optimal concentration of pectinase in the cooking solution (2-3 g/l) was determined. Thus, the preliminary enzymatic treatment made it possible to obtain cottonized flax fiber with improved physical and mechanical properties.