Improvement in jute fabric handle through biofinishing

121-129Pure jute fabrics have been finished with Biosoft-P (cellulase enzyme) under different conditions selected statistically using Box and Behnken model and then tested for mechanical properties. The image analysis and Kawabata Evaluation System for Fabrics (KES-FB) have been used to evaluate the extent of modification and fabric hand respectively. It is observed that enzyme treatment causes considerable reduction in protruding surface hairs on the fabric and improvement in softness of the fabric. The treatment is found to improve the Fukurami and Numeri and reduce the Koshi and Hari. The total hand value of the fabric increases by more than 15% for the sample treated with 4% (owf) enzyme at 50oC for 90 min and this condition is the best among the chosen conditions