Process optimization for bioscouring of cotton and lycra cotton weft knits by Box and Behnken design.

The aim of the study was to discover the effect of experimental parameters like pH, enzyme dosage and temperature, on the removal of natural and accidental impurities from cotton and lycra cotton weft knitted fabrics, to make them suitable for further processing like dyeing and finishing. The optimal experimental conditions and their effects have been ascertained by response surface methodology using the Box-Behnken model. The optimum values were found to be pH 8.5, enzyme dosage 0.4% on weight of fabric and temperature 55°C. The r(2) values and the F values indicate that the effect of all the parameters taken together is significant. Based on the results of the study it can be understood that the bioscouring process performed with these optimal values is suitable for pretreatment of cotton and lycra cotton weft knitted fabrics.