Abstract
Chinon fabric was treated with Pronase P, Papain C-400, or Proteoliquifase to introduce microvoid spaces into their unit fibers. Although the equilibrium moisture up-take of Chinon fabric was apparently reduced by the enzymatic treatment when it was examined at an atmospheric humidity of less than 85% relative humidity (RH). However, when the humidity exceeded 90%RH, the equilibrium moisture significantly increased by the treatment. The same fabric was soaked in water and centrifugally dehydrated. Then, the moisture of the wet fabric was compared with the equilibrium values observed in the same fabric at a high atmospheric humidity, and it was suggested that the unusually high equilibrium moisture corresponded to the water trapped by capillarity of the microvoid structure in the unit fibers of the enzyme-treated fabric. At a humidity of more than 90%RH, the equilibrium moisture of the enzyme-treated Chinon fabric was comparable to those of natural fibers such as wool, silk and cotton. The rate of water-absorbing through the surface of the treated fabric appeared to depend mostly on the enzyme used but not on the total volume of the micro-voids.
