Reactions of Wool with Sulfamic Acid

Abstract

The reactions of wool with sulfamic acid have been investigated and the results show that under the conditions used, the reactions are similar to those of sulfuric acid and wool. The majority of reaction takes place on alcoholic amino acids, but some reaction does take place on primary amino groups. No reaction takes place on the cystine linkage. The reaction is temperature and time dependent, with a temperature of 150-160°C and a time of 4-5 minutes giving maximum fixation of sulfamic acid. Urea is an essential component of the treatment liquor if maximum fixation of sulfamic acid is to be achieved. Measurements of the yellowness and strength have indicated that sulfamic acid causes a small increase in yellowness but does not change the fabric strength significantly.