Effect of various transition metal ions on mordanting stage of yak wool bleaching process

Abstract

Yak wool is a smooth, warm, and durable natural protein-structured fiber that could compete with cashmere and other high-end protein-structured fibers on the market. However, it suffers from drawing consumers’ attention due to the lack of color due to the shortfall of the yak wool bleaching technology. Herein, we studied the applicability of various transition metals, i.e., copper (II), cobalt (II), iron (II), and nickel (II) salts, as a mordanting reagent based on their effect on the hydrogen peroxide decomposition reaction and the morphological and mechanical properties of the bleached yak wool with the presence of these transition metal. Our study suggested that the iron (II) ion was the most efficient reagent for the mordant bleaching since it provided less fiber damage, relatively high strength, and elongation to the bleached yak wool with good whiteness, while the Cu (II) was the least favorable agent for the yak wool bleaching process.