A Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopic Study of Wool Subjected to Permonosulphuric Acid Treatments

A study of the permonosulphuric acid wool shrinkproofing process has been carried. The aim was to determine the optimum conditions under which oxidative and reductive steps should be performed, and effects of these steps on area shrinkage and degree of whiteness. The formulation of external and internal cystine-oxidised derivatives by FTIR was also examined. The presence of a certain amount of oxidising agent in necessary to partially oxidise the cystine, while the reducing/nucleophilic agents acts to form cysteine sulphonic acid, mainly at the fibre surface up to pH values of 8-8.5, and also at inside the fibre at higher pH values