Wool Modification by Dialdehyde Starch Treatment

Abstract

Merino wool was treated in variable pH, temperature, and bath concentration conditions with dialdehyde starch. The fastness to acid dyes, solubility in urea bisulfite, alkalies, and acids, as well as mechanical properties and aminoacid composition were determined. The results show that the treatment increases the resistance towards chemical agents, while the dyeing and mechanical properties are unchanged or slightly reduced. The reaction sites seem to be lysine, histidine, and tyrosine on the basis of amino acid analysis.