Research on the Enzymatic Treatment of Wool Fibres and Changes in Selected Properties of Wool

Abstract

The enzymatic treatment of textiles significantly improves some of their properties as well as increases their aesthetic values and comfort of use. Enzymes can be used in order to develop environmentally friendly processes by reducing the concentration of chemical agents, water and energy consumption. In the case of wool fibres, it is possible to substitute conven tional chlorine treatment by the enzymatic process, which enables to receive a fabric of the same level of anti-shrinking and anti-felting properties. The application of enzymes in the wool modification process was studied, and it was proven that the application of enzymes has an important influence on changes in the surface structure, which are accompanied by changes in certain physicochemical properties of wool fibres and fabrics.