Surface Modification of Cellulose Acetate with Cutinase and ...

Influence of Mechanical Agitation on Cutinases and Protease Activity Toward Polyamide Substrates
K/S variation (%)
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
50ºC 60ºC 70ºC
Staining temperature (ºC)
Vertical agitation (no discs)
Vertical agitation (with discs)
Figure 6. K/S variation, proportional to the amino groups at the surface of the fabric
samples treated with protease (4% of reactive dye; liquor ratio 1:100; 90 minutes).
3.3. Wettability
Polyamide fabric samples were tested in terms of water absorption after enzymatic
incubation procedure. This measurement is an evidence that the content of hydrophilic
groups at the surface have increased. The samples without treatment presented a
hydrophobic behavior (>10 min. of absorption). The enzymatic hydrolysis with
cutinases and protease were able to modify the surface of polyamide fabrics with a
consequent decrease of the time of water drop absorption to 5 min (Table II). The
surface of polyamide fabrics became more hydrophilic and probably more able to be
finished.
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