Modification of Ultrafine Wool with Modified Protease

Abstract

The outermost surface of wool comprises a scale layer which hinders certain fabric processing steps and shrink resistance properties of wool fabrics. How to remove surface scale layer without causing severe damage has been an important topic in wool research for decades. In this study, polyurethane was used to prepare the modified protease (MP), the highest activity was obtained at 50°C and pH 7 for the MP. MP was used to treat the surface of ultrafine wool. The resultant surface morphology, chemical groups, and mechanical performance of the treated wool fabrics were evaluated.