An FTIR spectroscopic study of the photodegradation and thermal degradation of wool

The effect of sunlight on untreated, sulphamic acid-treated and FBA-treated wool has been investigated using infra-red spectroscopy coupled with second-derivative spectral analysis. The effect of heat on untreated and treated wool fabrics has also been studied. Changes in the oxidised cystine species were observed as a result of both thermal oxidation and photo-oxidation.