Effects of various biotreatment systems on dyeing properties of cotton with reactive dyes

The effect of different biopreparation treatments on the dyeing properties of cotton fabric was investigated. Bioscouring with alkaline pectinase; combinations of alkaline pectinase, oxidative agent, and activator agent in one bath; conventional alkaline scouring; and hydrogen peroxide bleaching were applied to 100% cotton knitted fabric by the exhaust method. Pretreated fabrics were dyed with vinylsulfone and monochlorotriazine reactive dyes. Washfastness, crockfastness, and lightfastness properties were evaluated, with no significant differences found between samples pretreated in different ways. K/S values using conventional methods were easily reached by the enzymatically-pretreated fabrics. However, Delta E and Delta L values showed significant differences depending on dye concentration, lightness, and pretreatment conditions. An alternative to conventional alkaline scouring and bleaching, depending on the concentration and lightness of dyeing required, is recommended