A novel application of ionic liquid in improvement of the felting resistance of wool

Abstract

THE EFFECT of treatment of wool using two different ionic liquids namely 1-ethyl -3-methyl imidazolium acetate (EMIA), and 1-butyl -3-methyl imidazolium chloride (BMIC), on the felting resistance of wool was studied. The effect of treatment temperature and treatment time on the yellowing index, tenacity, and elongation at break of the treated wool fibres, was examined. Elemental analysis elucidated a remarkable reduction in sulphur content of the treated wool, which is mainly present in the wool scales. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed partial removal of wool scales under the effect of ionic liquid.