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The natural fluorescence of wool
Author(s) -
Collins Stephen,
Davidson Stephen,
Greaves Philip H,
Healey Michael,
Lewis David M
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
journal of the society of dyers and colourists
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.297
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1478-4408
pISSN - 0037-9859
DOI - 10.1111/j.1478-4408.1988.tb01178.x
Subject(s) - wool , fluorescence , chromophore , photochemistry , chemistry , peroxide , materials science , optics , composite material , organic chemistry , physics
Wool may be excited by both mid‐and near‐u.v. radiation, emitting fluorescence. The extent of visible fluorescence depends on the origin of the wool and the degree of weathering, (the tips of the fibres being more fluorescent than the roots) and chemical modification. In particular oxidative treatments such as chlorination of shrink‐resist procedures or peroxide bleaching processes increase the intensity of visible fluorescence but decrease the intensity of u.v. fluorescence (emission maximum at about 350 nm). It is proposed that the presence of these fluorescent chromophores in the fibre relates to the susceptibility of wool to yellow on exposure to light.