Permanent Setting of Washable Wool1

Abstract

Samples of 100% wool fabric dimensionally stahilized by treatment with reactive polymers can be permanently set in the presence of alkaline catalysts and steam by procedure believed to induce cleavage of disulfide bonds and concurrent formation of hydrolytically stable thioether crosslinks by reaction with appropriate crosslinking agents. Polyfunctional reagents which are stable in aqueous alkaline solution, but react at elevated temperature with sulfhydryl groups, are suitable for this approach. They can be used in conjunction with alkaline catalyst to "sensitize" the stabilized fabric. Creases set in this manner are retained in home laundering.