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Enzyme degum-Solution for natural fiber shortage
Source: | Author:Stanley Chow | Published time: 2024-12-13 | 7 Views | Share:

1. Background

The stems of jute, hemp, sisal, flax, and banana plants contain significant amounts of cellulose, a key component in natural fibers. Before cotton dominated the textile industry, these fibers were widely used for clothing, ropes, and containers.

Compared to other plant fibers, cotton has a higher cellulose content (up to 94%) and fewer impurities, making it easier to process. Other natural fibers, however, contain more pectin, hemicellulose, and lignin, leading to coarser and itchier textures. This limits their applications in textiles.

2. Natural Fiber Composition Comparison

Fiber Type

Cellulose (%)

Pectin (%)

Semi-Cellulose (%)

Lignin (%)

Others (%)

Jute

57–60

1.0–1.2

14–17

1.4–3.5

1.4–3.5

Hemp

67–78

0.8–2.5

5.5–16

2.9–3.3

5.4

Linen

75–85

1.4–5.7

12–15

2.5–5

5.5–9

Ramie

65–75

4–5

14–16

0.8–1.5

6.5–14

Banana

60–75

1.0

4.8–6

4.8–6.1

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3. Current Challenges

- Demand-Supply Gap: The growing textile market demands more natural fibers, but traditional fibers like cotton cannot meet this need alone.
- Processing Issues: Traditional methods such as chemical degumming are inefficient, energy-intensive, and polluting.
   - Chemical Treatment: High temperatures (120–150°C) damage cellulose and produce wastewater.
   - Microbial Degumming: While energy-efficient, it is slow and still produces inconsistent results.

4. Enzyme Degumming: An Innovative Solution

Enzyme degumming uses biological catalysts to efficiently remove impurities like pectin and lignin. Key advantages include:
1. Environmental Benefits: Reduced energy consumption and wastewater production.
2. High Fiber Quality: Maintains cellulose integrity, enhancing whiteness and spinnability.
3. Scalability: Industrial enzyme degumming is cost-effective and easy to implement.

5. Process Overview

- Step 1: Natural fibers are pre-soaked in enzyme solutions.
- Step 2: Biological enzymes break down pectin and lignin at lower temperatures.
- Step 3: Residual impurities are washed off, resulting in cleaner, softer fibers.

6. Conclusion

Enzyme degumming represents a sustainable and efficient solution to address the shortage of natural fibers in the textile industry. By improving fiber quality and reducing environmental impact, it holds the potential to revitalize non-cotton natural fibers like banana, jute, and hemp.