The combined low-temperature, plasma/enzyme wool shrink-resist treatment

To successfully achieve shrink resistance, an enzymatic treatment was applied to knitted fabrics previously treated with a radio-frequency low-temperature plasma. Shrink resistance was attained at the machine-washable level without excessive damage to the fiber. XPS analysis revealed the partial oxidation of hydrocarbon chains of the F-layer and the formation of cysteic acid residues at the wool surface after plasma treatment. After subsequent enzymatic treatment, the F-layer was completely removed and the content of cysteic acid significantly decreased.