Effect of Colloidal Dispersion of Clay on Some Properties of Wool Fiber

This work was carried out to characterize the changes induced on wool fiber by clay treatment. Technical measurements were studied including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal degradation analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), moisture regain measurement (MRM), and tensile strength test (TST). The intensity of major peaks in FTIR spectra of the clay treated sample is in favor of chemical changes of the polypeptide functional groups. DSC results indicated that clay treatment of wool enhances heat and thermal barrier properties of fiber. TGA results stated lower thermal degradation of clay treated wool compared with untreated one. One of the main advantages of clay application on wool could be its positive effect on the moisture absorption of wool.