Effect of polydopamine deposition on wool fibers on the construction of melanin

Abstract The use of dopamine to synthesize melanin as a natural dye on fabrics has the disadvantages of complicated processing, long processing time, and high cost. This study simplifies the processing conditions of the oxidative polymerization of dopamine and develops wool fabric melanin coatings with different finishing effects by adjusting the reaction time. The results of computer color matching, ultraviolet (UV) protection properties, and color fastness indicated that the treated wool fibers were effectively dyed, and they achieved UV resistance properties comparable to those realized in other studies in a relatively short time. The degree of lightness (L) and UV protection factor of the treated fabric reached up to 13.3 and 80+, respectively. Samples W/PDA 60 and W/PDA 120 absorbed more than 95% of the UV light. The color fastness was greater than Grade 4. The Fourier infrared spectrum and X‐ray diffraction studies revealed that the chemical and crystalline structures of the wool fiber did not change significantly after the treatment. The breaking strength of samples W/PDA 60 and W/PDA 120 was about 50% higher than that of the original wool fabric. This efficient and simple method provides a feasible and promising solution for the color deepening and UV finishing of high value‐added wool products. It can be a potential choice for upgrading the printing and dyeing industries from the perspective of ecological protection.