FE-SEM COMPARATIVE STUDY ON SURFACE MODIFICATION OF WOOL FIBER AFTER DIFFERENT CHEMICAL TREATMENTS

Abstract

Wool surface comprehends numerous scales which are responsible of certain undesirable behavior of this fiber during its use and maintenance. One of the most significant issues is related to shrinkage, caused during washing, as a consequence of friction between the fibers. Chemical modification of wool is considered a useful option to avoid these kind of circumstances. During the last years, multiple alternatives for chemical modification of wool have been studied, comprising enzymes or acids amongst others. In this case of study, three different treatments were carried out in order to evaluate wool morphological appearance. The first treatment was an oxidative procedure, containing Basolan DC and sodium acetate as the main components. The second treatment was accomplished using Lanaperm VPO, a commercial finishing agent for wool fiber that claims to soften its surface. The third finishing process was performed employing Siligen FA, a commercial agent intended to act as an antimigrant for dye baths and also provide a smoother and regular surface. After said treatments, microphotographs of all treated and untreated fibers were taken so that a comparison between final appearance could be done. Analyzing results and conclusions, it can be stated that chemical modification of fiber does change its surface appearance and, consequently, its behaviour. Oxidation, Lanaperm, Siligen, wool cuticle, scales

Keywords

• Oxidation
• Lanaperm
• Siligen
• Wool cuticle
• Scales