Changes in resin layer on fiber surfaces of resin finished wool fabric by repeated washing.

Abstract

The shrink resistance of polyurethane resin finished wool fabrics was investigated in terms of changes in resin layer on fiber surfaces. The changes in the amount of resin adhering to fiber surfaces after repeated washing were measured by attenuated total reflection (ATR) method using FTIR. It was found that the germanium prism as an internal reflection element was applicable to measure-the thickness of resin layer on fiber surface. The resin was gradually removed from fibers with the increase of washing time. Approximately 50% of resin was removed from the fabric after 50 washings. The scanning electron microscope was used to examine the resin layer of fiber surfaces. While the changes in resin layer covered scales of wool by washing were scarecely recognized, it was observed that the resin layer adhering among fibers was broken and peeled off. The amount of resin removed from fabric and the area shrinkage of fabric were directly related with the increase of washing time. After 50 washings, 1.8% area shrinkage was observed.