Investigation into the effect of UV/ozone treatments on the dyeability and printability of wool

The effect of UV/ozone treatments on the surface and bulk properties of wool has been investigated. X–ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicates that the oxidative process causes extensive surface modification, while vibrational and electron spin resonance techniques show the formation of cysteic acid and free radical species. The beneficial effect of UV/ozone treatment on wool dyeing, printing and shrink–resist properties has been investigated.