Modification of wool fabric using ecologically acceptable UV-assisted treatments

Wool fabric was modified using ecologically acceptable treatments in order to enhance its shrinkage and pilling resistance. Wool fabrics were irradiated with ultraviolet light for different period of times. The UV-irradiated wool fabrics were then treated with an oxidising agent (hydrogen peroxide or sodium monoperoxyphthalate) or a protease enzyme (papain or savinase 16L type EX). Treatment of wool fabric with these systems was found to be effective in reducing its pilling and shrinkage without severe loss in weight and strength of the fabric. Chemical and mechanical analyses of the treated samples compared with the untreated one are reported. Transmission electron microscopy investigation of the untreated and treated wool samples was used to identify the histological component in wool keratin affected by these treatments. (c) 2005 Society of Chemical Industry.