Protein and silver nitrate interaction during finer wool production: enhancing tensile properties along with synthesis of nano silver

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The simultaneous in situ synthesis of silver nanoparticles and slenderizing of wool fibers was carried out in one single step process without using external reducing agent. The functional groups of wool fibers were responsible for the reduction of silver ions into silver nanoparticles, and the possible interactions between the synthesized nanoparticles and the protein chains of wool fibers have been thoroughly discussed. According to the hypothesized mechanism, which was further proved by UV–vis absorption spectra, there is also a possibility of cross-linking formation within wool protein chains through diazotion reaction with amine groups of wool fibers. Duration of the process at the applied temperature allowed enough time for complete growth of the silver nucleus inside the protein chains, creating more cross-linking within the protein chains of wool fibers. Findings suggest the potential of the proposed method in producing fine wool fibers with enhanced tensile strength and slight color change.