| abstract |
A process for modifying woolen fiber, obtained from sheep, goat, llama, alpaca, etc., by removing scales, comprising (a) depositing an oxidizing catalyst on hydrophilic portions of the fiber, i.e., (1) scale-binding portions (2) and endocuticles (3), (b) dipping it in an aqueous solution of a chlorinating agent or other oxidizing agent to cause rapid oxidative decomposition thus removing scales (1), then (c) treating it in a solution of a reducing agent. Step (a) is conducted by treating the fiber with an acid to be used as a catalyst in a solution saturated with a neutral salt or a strong acid-weak base salt, by treating the fiber in an acidic gas to thereby incorporate it into binding water in said portions (2) and (3), or by forming chelate bonds of transition metal, Mg or Al in an aqueous solution containing such a metal ion, or in an organic solvent containing dispersed therein said aqueous solution. This invention enables the treatment of woolen fiber at approximately ordinary temperatures in times as short as several minutes. Thus, mixed fabrics, fur goods, or woolen fibers can be easily upgraded. |