Effect of chemical modification of wool on metal ion binding

Abstract

The effect of specific functional group modification of wool on the binding of a number of metal ions (individually) from aqueous solutions was studied. The metal ion uptake profiles for the different modified keratin polymers show that a degree of specificity of binding is imparted by the various modifications in terms of changes in capacities or rates of metal ion uptakes. The changes of uptake depend on both the particular ion and the particular protein modification involved. The results show the potential usefulness of the keratin derivatives for removal of toxic and industrial metal ions from water and contribute to interpretation of metal ions interactions with native wool and proteins in general. Treatments of woven wool with aqueous solutions of certain metal salts impart flame and insect resistance to the fabric.