Studies on the remedial effect of transglutaminase on protease anti‐felting treated wool

Abstract

Oxidative protease treatment can improve anti‐felting of wool and also result in its loss of strength. In this study, one kind of microbial transglutaminase (MTG) was applied in the wet process of wool fabrics. The results indicated that transglutaminase could remediate wool damage following hydrogen peroxide and protease anti‐felting finishing, resulting in an increase in wool fabric strength and a decrease in alkali solubility. In addition, the evidence was provided that some cross‐linking through transglutaminase had occurred in the wool protein. The SEM showed that the scale structure became smoother after MTG treating. Analyzing of the thermal behavior revealed that the thermal stability of the MTG‐treated wool was enhanced. UV‐spectrum analysis suggested a decrease in protein extracted from the intercellular cements of the treated wool with MTG.

Keywords:

• wool
• protease
• transglutaminase
• anti‐felting
• remediation