SPECTROSCOPIC STUDIES OF MODIFIED WOOL FIBER SURFACES

The physicochemical properties of wool fibre surfaces are reviewed in terms of treatments used to increase surface polarity and promote aque ous wetting, dyability and shrink resistance. Use of a new UV ozone dr y treatment, which is effectively effluent free, is shown to give leve ls of surface oxidation which leads to water wetting and dyeability wh ich may be suitable for some industrial purposes.