Optimization on laccase processing technology of Carex meyeriana fibers

In order to extract more excellent properties of Carex meyeriana fibers applied in textile processing, this study adopted the laccase to treat C. meyeriana fibers. We used laccase dosage, pH, temperature as exploring factors, and the lignin content, fiber diameter, fracture strength as the evaluation index for response surface method to optimize the laccase treatment process. The results revealed that the optimize levels were 14% dosage of laccase, 5.5 of the pH and 47 ℃ of the temperature, and the lignin content, diameter and fraction strength was 7.71%, 40.06 μm and 203.46 MPa, which decreased 60.86% and 53.04% and increased 34.94% comparing to before treatment, respectively. We also tested the C. meyeriana fibers acquired by the optimized process through super depth of field, scanning electron microscope, FTIR and XRD. The super depth of field showed that the C. meyeriana fibers became finer, more uniform and softer; The Scanning electron microscope test and FTIR test showed that the pectin on the C. meyeriana fibers had further removed; The XRD test showed that the crystallinty increased from 57.09% to 64.53%. The above results indicate that the laccase treatment could improve the performance of the C. meyeriana fibers and be benefit for the application in textile processing.