Interfacial Phenomena of Cotton/Polyester Blended Fabric Modified with Enzyme and Chitosan

In this study, the interfacial phenomena of cotton/polyester blended fabric modified with enzymes and chitosan were investigated. Enzymatic pretreatments (bioactivation) were carried out using a pectinase complex (Biosol PRO), an esterase complex (Texazym PES), and a combination of both. Bioactivation aimed to activate the surface and improve interfacial properties, primarily the hydrophilicity of the polyester component in the blend. For the functionalization of bio-activated blended fabrics, a homogenized chitosan solution in a 3% acetic acid was prepared and applied in a pad-dry-cure process. Changes after enzyme bioactivation, chitosan functionalization, and three washing cycles were monitored by interfacial phenomena-including zeta potential, isoelectric point (IEP), specific surface charge, and contact angle, as well as wetting time and maximum wetted radius-measured using a Moisture Management Tester (MMT). Mechanical and spectral properties of fabrics and antimicrobial efficacy were determined as well. Although esterase and pectinase act on different components of the fabric, both contribute to improved fabric properties, especially when used together. The presence of chitosan on the fabric after three washing cycles was confirmed on enzyme-bioactivated fabrics by zeta potential, IEP, and specific surface charge. The antimicrobial activity was confirmed as well. The best results were obtained after functionalization with chitosan on the esterase-bioactivated surface. Overall, these treatments provide flexible and mechanically stable functionalization, demonstrating both antimicrobial effectiveness and washing stability, with the possibility of easy implementation in the textile industry.