BIO-PROCESSING OF SURFACE-OXIDISED CELLULOSIC FIBRE BY MICROWAVE TREATMENT FOR ECO-FRIENDLY TEXTILE DYEING

Enzymatic processing of textile fabrics in combination with microwave treatment is gaining momentum (more advantageous) due to efficient, time effective and environmental friendly tool. The aim of the study was to improve fabrics processing for dyeing, so that less chemicals and time should be consumed. Cellulosic fabrics was desized, bleached and scoured using enzymes and microwave treatments along with conventional treatments. Reactive Blue 221 dye was applied on the enzymatically and conventionally treated fabrics to enhance dye uptake ability. The material to liquor ratio 1:35, at 40 degrees C in the presence of 6 g/ml salt concentration showed optimised conditions. Dye bath of pH 10 and dyeing time 60 min were the best optimised values for dyeing of biotreated fabrics. The combination of both techniques increased dye uptake ability, reduced the dyeing time and improved colour fastness and is an effective method of modifying sustainable textile processing for environmental sustainability.