Changes in wool properties by oxidation treatment and moisture movement

For this study, we investigated the water absorption, hygroscopicity, and antibacterial properties of oxidized and chlorinated wool. Isothermal water vapor adsorption curve measurements were also conducted identically. The moisture absorption rate was determined by the constant volume method in the adsorption direction from relative humidity 0 %R.H. to around 90 %R.H. at an adsorption temperature of 20 °C. The size increased in the order of oxidation-treated wool and untreated wool, which matched the state of scale retention. Staphylococcus aureus was cultured for 18 hr using the bacterial liquid absorption method. Also, the number of bacterial cells was found using the pour plate culture method. The antibacterial activity value calculated using untreated wool as a control sample was 2.0 for redox wool and 0.4 for chlorinated wool, indicating that the redox wool exceeded the antibacterial standard.