Chemical Interactions of Ultraviolet Light with Wool Fiber Surfaces

The surface compositions, chemistry, and wettability of wool fiber fabrics in both native and UV-exposed states have been investigated. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows surface oxygen levels of 10-12 at.% for native wool, which increase to as much as 27.5 at.% on UV exposure. Investigation of C1s and S2p photoelectron line energies shows this increase to be due largely to oxidative cleavage of native disulfide bonds to form sulfonic acid groups together with some formation of COOH/COOR on the wool fiber surfaces. A quantitative relationship is demonstrated between surface chemical states and water wettability. Copyright 1997 Academic Press. Copyright 1997Academic Press