Effects of the KMnO₄/Salt Shrinkproofing Treatment on the Frictional Properties of Wool Fibers

Abstract

Following on the observation that the KMnO4/salt shrinkproofing process attacks the scales on the intrados of the crimp of wool fibers preferentially, the “static” friction of wool fibers over polished horn in aqueous media has been measured by the standard capstan method under conditions chosen to ensure that some contact is made with the intrados of the crimp. It has been found that the treatment causes a large increase in the with-scale friction and in some circumstances a decrease in the frictional difference. When the proportion of contact with the intrados of the crimp is reduced, these effects become much smaller. Both types of frictional change are the result of degradation of the material inside the scale-cells, which makes the scales, when wet, softer and less elastic than the scales of untreated fibers. Experimental conditions determine whether this softening is expressed as an increase in with-scale friction or as a decrease in the frictional difference.

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“…Oxidation processes affect the dyeability, water absorption, and other features of wool. 6, 7 Normally, KMnO 4 would diffuse right through wool fibers and readily oxidize all of the accessible cystine amino acids in the epicuticle. 5…”

“…5 The scales of wool overlap with each other. 6 These surface scales cause a frictional difference when they are rubbed from tip to root than when they are rubbed from root to tip, and this difference is one of the undesirable features of wool fibers. 6 The fibers in the fleece on a sheep all grow out of the follicles in the same direction, and they generally grow at a similar rate.…”

“…6 These surface scales cause a frictional difference when they are rubbed from tip to root than when they are rubbed from root to tip, and this difference is one of the undesirable features of wool fibers. 6 The fibers in the fleece on a sheep all grow out of the follicles in the same direction, and they generally grow at a similar rate. 5 After the fleece washing process, the unit direction of the fibers will not be the same as they used to be; therefore, fibers with different directions are placed next to each other, shrinking the produced fabric as a result.…”

“…5 In several studies, the positive impacts of KMnO 4 treatment on reducing the shrinkage of wool have been demonstrated. 6 It has been reported that through oxidation processes, the surface morphology of wool changes. Oxidation processes affect the dyeability, water absorption, and other features of wool.…”

“…Oxidation processes affect the dyeability, water absorption, and other features of wool. 6,7 Normally, KMnO 4 would diffuse right through wool fibers and readily oxidize all of the accessible cystine amino acids in the epicuticle. 5 Through oxidation processes, higher amounts of carboxylic acids can be absorbed on the surface of wool, and this was demonstrated quantitatively by Montazer and coworkers.…”