An FTIR spectroscopic study of the photodegradation and thermal degradation of wool

Abstract

The effect of sunlight on untreated, sulphamic acid‐treated and FBA‐treated wool has been investigated using infra‐red spectroscopy coupled with second‐derivative spectral analysis. The effect of heat on untreated and treated wool fabrics has also been studied. Changes in the oxidised cystine species were observed as a result of both thermal oxidation and photo‐oxidation.