Nowadays, textile processing based on biotechnology have gained importance in view of stringent environmental and industrial safety conditions. The use of protease enzymes on protein fibers to improve some physical and mechanical properties is particularly interesting.
In this research, wool yarns were first treated with different concentrations of protease enzymes in water solution including 1%, 2%, 4% and 6% o.w.f. for 60 minutes. The dyeing process was then carried out on the treated yarns with pistachio hulls (50% o.w.f.). Some of physical, mechanical and colorimetric properties of treated wool yarns were discussed. Tensile strength of treated yarns was decreased due to enzyme treatment and it continued to decrease with an increase in enzyme concentration in solution. The lightness was decreased for the samples treated with enzyme. The wash and light fastness properties of samples were measured according to ISO 105-CO5 and Daylight ISO 105-BO1. The washing fastness properties of treated samples were not changed. In the case of light fastness properties, it was increased a little for 4% and 6% enzyme treated samples.
