| abstract |
A process for enzymatically catalyzing an esterification of insoluble polymer fibres containing free hydroxy groups by reacting the polymer fibres with a carboxylic acid such as a carboxylic acid having the general formula R-COOR1, wherein R is linear or branched C¿1-25?alkyl, preferably linear C3-25 alkyl, more preferably linear C8-25alkyl, which optionally is substituted with one or more carboxy, nitro, chloro, bromo, fluoro, amino, hydroxy, keto; and R?1¿ is hydrogen, C¿1-4?alkyl, or vinyl, preferably methyl, ethyl or vinyl; or an ester thereof, preferably an enolester, in the presence of an enzyme capable of catalyzing esterification, especially a lipase or an esterase, is useful for chemical finishing of yarn, textile, fabric, papermaking pulp, cardboard or paper, the fibre or fabric made therefrom having improved functional properties such as reduced tendency to wrinkling, improved durable softness, anti-static appearance, water repellency, enhanced soil release or flame retardancy. |