Study on Process Optimization and Wetting Performance of Ultrasonic-Oxidized Wool Fiber

Abstract As lightweight and comfortable wool products have become the mainstream of the market, the surface treatment technology of wool fiber has been widely observed. Here, we treated wool fibers by ultrasonic bath and oxidation in a composite method that was better able to improve the wetting properties of wool fiber. Using this approach, we investigated the main factors influencing the effect of treatment and established the regression equations of multiple indices on processing conditions; after testing and optimization, the optimum technological parameters were obtained and experimentally verified. In addition, test results revealed that the ultrasonic-oxidation treatment in the optimum process led to the disulfide bonds (S-S) of wool fiber breaking and being oxidized, but showed less effect on the fiber's supramolecular structure; the wool fiber surface became smoother and more uniform, which resulted in a greatly increased wettability; there was a remarkable decrease in contact angle, and the rate of moisture absorption and desorption was enhanced in response to optimal treatment. These findings are significant for the potential industrial application of wool fiber as a moisture-absorbing material in textile products.