Abstract

The objective of this project is to develop enzyme-based finishing processes for wool with special emphasis on shrink-resist treatments which provide the flexibility and low pollution characteristics demanded by the global textile market. This project will develop novel non-proteolytic enzyme systems to be used for surface specific modification of wool fibres. The novel enzyme activities will be screened from a variety of micro-organisms, the efficiency of the enzyme activities on wool fibres will be monitored with advanced surface analytical methods as well as technical performance measurements. The most practical enzyme processes will be developed in laboratory scale machinery and the technical effects with respect to shrink-resistance, handle, softness and dye ability will be evaluated. Potential enzymes will be produced in large scale using modern molecular genetics and subsequently the wool processes will be assessed in pilot and industrial scale. The project outcome will be novel enzyme systems for wool modification eco-efficient processes for wool finishing.

Contacts

Coordinator

• Juha AHVENAINEN / Technical Research Centre of Finland Biotechnology Department / FINLAND

Participant

• David CONNELL / Coats Viyella Clothing ltd., T/A Precision Processes Textiles / UNITED KINGDOM
• Pierluigi MARRANI / Enrico Pecci & CS Dyeing and Finishing Units / ITALY
• Burkhard RAUHUT / Rheinisch Westfalische Technische Hochschule Aachen Lehrstuhl fur Textilchemie und Makromolekulare / GERMANY
• Solitario NESTI / Tecnotessile Societa Nazionale di Ricerca Tenologica RL ITALY
• Luciano MAZZETTI / Tintoria del Sole ITALY
• Clive ROWLAND / University of Manchester Institute of Science Department of Textiles / UNITED KINGDOM