Grafting of Proteins onto Wool Using Diepoxides as Cross-Linking Agents

Abstract

Several commercially available proteins were grafted onto wool fabric using diepoxides as cross-linking agents and a 140-160°C cure. From 1.5 to 5.5% protein was grafted, onto the fabric to yield modified wools with moderate-to-good shrinkproofing properties, small losses in wrinkle recovery, and moderate-to-large increases in flexural rigidity. Collagen- extracted Colloid 5V grafted onto wool with glycerol diglycidyl ether (GDE) gave durable grafts with desirable properties, while other proteins (zein, casein, collagen-extracted Colloid I) with GDE gave protein-grafted fabrics with somewhat less desirable properties. Other commercial diepoxides gave unsatisfactory protein grafts to wool.