Improving Some Aesthetic and Performance Characteristics of Wool via Synergistic Action of a Protease and a Cationic Silicon Softener

Abstract Production of textile garments with pleasant aesthetic property is always a customer-demand; and the application of eco-friendlier methods to attain this target is driven by the environmental legislation all over the world. The main aim of this study is improving garment appearance and performance attributes of wool fabric by two-consecutive benign processes using bio- and chemical treatments. Two commercial proteases were used in bio-treatment of wool under their respective appropriate conditions. The bio-treated wool fabrics were modified with an aqueous solution of a water-dispersible cationic softener based on poly amino siloxane (PAS). The effects of these treatments on some of the physical and mechanical properties of wool fabric were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows the descaled surface of bio-treated wool, and the coated fibre surface of AS-treated wool. Results of this investigation showed that the drapability, and hence the aesthetic property, of the treated fabric was improved. Based on the bending length, drape coefficient, wettability, smoothness, yellowness index, and AC electrical conductivity of the treated wool fabrics, selected samples were assigned to be used in prediction of the garment appearance using CLO3D simulation software.