Improved properties of wool on sheepskins by low pressure plasma treatment

Abstract

The paper presents the experimental treatment of wool on sheepskins with plasma at low pressure in hexafluoropropane atmosphere and the improvement of keratin and collagen hydrophilic properties. Pre-treatment of sheepskins with low pressure plasma treatment allows obtaining sheepskins with a higher water absorption capacity, dyed in more vivid colors and with greater softness. The results suggest the possibility of reducing material consumption for keratin denaturation, dyeing and fatliquoring, with significant environmental effects. Identification of smaller amounts of sulphur in the surface layers of treated wool confirms the denaturation effect using low pressure plasma treatment. The presence. of hexafluoropropane atmosphere in experimental conditions does not change the hydrophilic properties of sheepskins, and erosion by oxidation of wool is more important, with effects on increasing water absorption capacity.