Wool Stabilization by Aqueous Exhaust Systems Based on Reactive Aliphatic Diisocyanates

Abstract

The development of a single-bath, exhaust treatment for shrink-resisting wool is described. The process involves dispersing a solvent solution containing a fully-reactive cycloaliphatic diisocyanate monomer and cationic emulsifying agent into water, exhausting the monomer on fabric at low temperature, and then adding a polyamine to form, in situ, a wash-fast polyurea finish on the fiber surfaces. Following polymerization, the fabric is scoured, rinsed, neutralized, and tumble-dried. In its present state of development, the process seems most suitable for treating knitwear; however, it also exhibits a potential for dyebeck application to woven fabrics. Effective shrinkage control is obtained on both clear-worsted and wash-finished knit constructions with tightness factor ranging from 9.0 to 17.3.

A review of the sustainable methods in imparting shrink resistance to wool fabrics

“…Umehara et al used glycerol polyglycidyl ether (GPE) to crosslink the epicuticles of wool fiber in wool yarns to make them shrink-resistant [77]. Reactive aliphatic diisocyanate also has been investigated to cover the scales of wool fiber and it was found that the dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTL)-catalyzed hexamethylenediamine diisocyanate (HMDI) and triethylenetetramine (TETA) combination treatment provided the best shrink-resistance [78].…”

“…Simple AOX-free process1. Not effective and may affect the handle[78]Reactive aliphatic diisocyanates with various diaminesFabricAlkaline scouring at pH 10.6 followed by coating wool fiber with HMDI + TETA0.10% HMDI + 2.00% TETA + 0.02% DBTLBatchWoolmark TM 1854.81. Simple AOX-free process1.…”

“…Simple AOX-free process1. Not effective and may affect the handle[78]Protease-extracted polypeptidesFabricpolypeptides were extracted from wool by protease was applied on wool fabric and crosslinked with GDEPeptide conc. is not mentioned but GDE conc.…”