Surface Treatment of Wool to Achieve Hydrophilic Fibre and the Effect on Subsequent Dyeing and Protease Treatment

Wool was treated with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) under alkaline conditions to remove the lipid layer from the fibre surface. A reduction in lipid content of 88% could be achieved resulting in a very hydrophilic fibre. The efficiency of dyeing with reactive dyes was improved. When treated with proteolytic enzymes (protease) a loss of enzyme activity occurred due to residual CTAB on the fibre surface. Residual CTAB could be removed from the fibre using solvent or anionic surfactant in acid conditions ensuring enzyme activity. Hydrophilic wool could promote a more efficient proteolytic enzyme treatment process.