Effect of Enzymatic Hydrolysis on Polylactic Acid Fabrics by Lipases from Different Origins

Abstract

This study measured the effect of general pre-treatment on PLA fabrics to confirm the benefits of enzymatic processing on PLA fabrics in the textile industry as well as evaluated the hydrolytic activities of three lipases. The effects of lipase hydrolysis were analyzed through moisture regain, dyeing ability, tensile strength, and surface morphology. As a result, PLA fibers were easily damaged by a low concentration of sodium hydroxide and a low treatment temperature. The optimal treatment conditions of Lipase from Candida cylindracea were pH 8.0, 40℃, and 1,000 U. The optimal treatment conditions for Lipase from Candida rugosa were pH 7.2, 37℃, and 1,000 U. The optimal treatment conditions for Lipase from Porcine pancreas were pH 8.0, 37℃, and 2,000 U. The moisture regain and dyeing ability of PLA fabrics increased and the tensile strength of PLA fabrics decreased. The results of surface morphology revealed that there were some cracks due to hydrolysis on the surface of the fiber.