Studies on Feltproofing of Wool with a Copper Sulfate-Hydrogen Peroxide System

Abstract

Optimization of the reaction conditions between wool and H2O2 in the presence of traces of copper is made to impart the antifelt property to wool. Copper sulfate consumption increases with increase of temperature and reaction time, while H2O2 consumption increases with increasing copper sulfate content of wool. Copper sulfate pretreatment is essential to impart the antifelt property to wool by the studied system. Aftertreatment with dilute H2SO4 or with acidified sulfite solution showed that there is no significant difference between the two-aftertreatments in imparting the antifelt property to wool. The present antifelt treatment increases wool affinity to dyeing. The fastness of acid, mordant, metal complex, and reactive dyes is not altered, The present antifelt treatment, applied to dyed wool, has no bad effect on color shades. It decreases the sulfur, cystine, tyrosine, and tryptophan contents and increases the alkali, urea bisulfite soluhilities of the treated wool.