REACTION OF A NEW THIOL CATIONIC SURFACTANT WITH BUNTE SALT IN WOOL FIBERS

A new, effective, specific quaternary ammonium compound, N-dodecyl-ami no-betaine-2-mercaptoethylamine hydrochloride (DABM), is synthesized t o confer permanent characteristics (antimicrobial properties, improved dyeing and softening) on keratin material (wool, human hair). We have studied the reaction between bisulphite-treated weal and DABM as a fu nction of time in a buffered medium, and monitor it with FTIR ATR spec troscopy, which allows us to follow the changes in cysteine-S-sulphona te groups (at 1023 cm(-1)) located in the cuticula of keratin fibers. We believe DABM links permanently to keratin fibers, given the disappe arance of the cysteine-S-sulphonate band during treatment, Trend appro ximation and corresponding functions are obtained for experimental dat a.