Optimizing Hercosett/Optical Brightener Agent/Hydrogen Peroxide Systems Applied to Untreated Wool for Shrinkproofing

Abstract

We have studied the application on untreated wool fibers of different aqueous dispersion systems made with Hercosett, a cationic resin; three commercial anionic optical brightener agents (OBA), Uvitex CF-200, Blankophor BA Liq. B, and Uvitex NFW; and the oxidative agent hydrogen peroxide to improve both whiteness and shrink-proofing properties with less damage to the keratinic structure. Treatment times and temperatures were optimized using the central composite rotatable design of Box and Hunter and, in all cases, a weight ratio of Hercosett/OBA that produced better shrink-proofing. Results obtained for each OBA were also compared to determine optimum application.