Surface modification and low temperature dyeing properties of wool treated by UV radiation

The surface modification and dyeing properties of wool treated by UV radiation have been investigated. Wool samples were exposed to UV radiation for 60 min and the surface modification of the wool fibre was investigated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The chemical change caused by the UV treatment was identified as surface oxidation of cystine (disulphide bonds) and thereby induced changes in the dyeing properties of the wool. The dyeability of UV‐treated and untreated wool samples was determined at temperatures of 45, 50, 55 and 60 °C using CI Acid Blue 7. The UV‐treated wool samples showed greater levels of dye uptake compared with those of the untreated samples. The adsorption behaviour and diffusion coefficients were also studied. The dyeing properties of wool were enhanced by UV radiation due to the increased diffusion coefficient of the dyes in the treated wool fibres.