Effect of alkali pre-treatment on hydrolysis of regenerated cellulose fibers (part 1: viscose) by cellulases

Viscose fabrics were pre-treated with liquid ammonia and NaOH solutions. The pre-treatment was varied in alkali concentration, time and drying conditions. Subsequently, the samples were subjected to cellulase hydrolysis. Microscope and SEM pictures were taken; weight loss, reducing sugar and protein content in solution, water retention value and tensile strength were determined. It was found, that the activity of cellulases is increased for viscose and that short time alkali pre-treatment reduces tensile strength due to changes in the substrate. The drying and drying conditions (wet, line dry of freeze dry) have great impact on the hydrolysis rate. A connection between the rate of protein loss in solution and changed water retention value was established. Weight loss of 80% of cellulose fabric was achieved within 4 h of enzyme hydrolysis.