Abstract
To determine the optimum activation conditions for one- and two-bath pretreatments of hemp fabric with ${\alpha}$-amylase and pectinase, the weight loss was measured after treatments at different pH, temperature, soak time, and pectinase concentration. In addition, the surfaces of the enzyme- and alkali-pretreated hemp fabrics were studied, and the pectin content, tensile strength, moisture absorption rate, and whiteness index were analyzed and compared. In the two-bath pretreatment, the optimum pectinase activation conditions after desizing using ${\alpha}$-amylase were pH 9, $50^{\circ}C$, 120 min soak time, and a pectinase concentration of 30%. In the one-bath pretreatment with a 1% ${\alpha}$-amylase addition and a pectinase concentration of 30%, the optimum conditions were pH 8, $50^{\circ}C$, and 80 min. The weight loss of the one-bath enzyme-pretreated hemp fabric was similar to that of the alkali-pretreated fabric, and smaller than that of the two-bath enzyme-pretreated fabric. The pectin content of the one-bath enzyme-pretreated hemp fabric was similar to that of the alkali-pretreated fabric, and larger than that of the two-bath enzyme-pretreated fabric. The surface of the alkali-pretreated hemp fabric was clean yet damaged, whereas the surfaces of the one- and two-bath pretreated hemp fabric were clean and smooth without damage. The tensile strength of the one- and two-bath enzyme pretreated hemp fabric was higher than that of the alkali-pretreated fabric. The absorption rate in the hemp fabric significantly increased following both the alkali-pretreatment and the one- and two-bath pretreatments.