Shrink Proofing of Wool Fibers Treated with a New Type of Eco-friendly Keratinase Enzyme: Development and Evaluation of End Use Property

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Shrink proofing of wool fibers was examined by using a new type of keratinase enzyme and a naturally-occurring resin, Shellac which is used as a food additive. After the treatment of the fibers with Shellac alone or Shellac/enzyme, shrink resistance, tensile strength, surface morphology, surface chemical composition, and handle were investigated. Although the SEM pictures of fibers treated with the enzyme alone showed fibrillation and damage, morphological changes were not observed by the treatment with Shellac alone or Shellac/enzyme. Excellent shrink resistance and intensity were shown by the Shellac treatment alone and improved furthermore by the dual treatment with Shellac/enzyme.