Effect of surfactant - assisted enzymatic treatment on the structure and specific properties of wool fibre

The objective of this study is to perform an enzymatic treatment on wool fibers in the presence of a mild detergent containing surfactants obtained from renewable raw materials, in order to obtain a reduction in the felting of wool fibers. This treatment is designed to replace the classic wool fiber process using chlorine compounds, aggressive to people and the environment. FTIR spectroscopy has demonstrated the effect of enzymes by breaking down bonds from the functional groups characteristic of the keratin protein of wool. Determination of relaxation shrinkage and felting shrinkage allowed the selection of the samples that led to a minimal felting phenomenon.