Effect of liquid ammonia, sodium hydroxide/liquid ammonia, and subsequent cellulase treatments on mechanical properties of cotton fabric

Liquid ammonia and cellulase treatments are known to be effective in improving the soft hand of cotton fabrics. In this study, cotton fabric is treated with liquid ammonia, sodium hydroxide/liquid ammonia, and subsequently with cellulase. Shearing and bending hysteresis curves are measured with a KES instrument. Shearing G, bending modulus B, and hysteresis widths 2HG and 2HB are calculated on the basis of the curves. G, B, 2HG, and 2HB decrease with the NH3 treatment, especially with NaOH/NH3. Although independent cellulase treatment decreases the parameters and produces a soft handle, the combination with NH3, NaOH/NH3 and with susequent cellulase is much more effective at improving hand.