Functional Biomolecule-Based Modification of Wool Fabric with Apple Polyphenol

The utilization of biomass material-based fibers has emerged as a novel research frontier and application trajectory. In this study, we investigated the application of microwave and water bath heating in the biologic modification of wool fabric utilizing apple polyphenols, introducing a novel eco-friendly modification technique. The wool fabric was subjected to comprehensive analyses, including ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV–Vis), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), for detection and characterization. Furthermore, the thermal stability and crystallinity of the fabric were explored through thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), while its elemental composition was analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The assessment of the wool fabric’s including anti-ultraviolet, antioxidant, antibacterial, and wash durability properties was analyzed in this study. Notably, the results indicated a superior modification effect in wool fabrics pretreated with l-cysteine followed by water bath treatment. SEM and FT-IR examinations confirmed the successful grafting of apple polyphenols onto the fabric surface. The modified wool fabrics exhibited remarkable antibacterial properties, with an antibacterial rate of up to 99% against Staphylococcus aureus, and surpassed raw wool fabrics in antioxidant activities. Moreover, the modified fabric possessed exceptional anti-ultraviolet properties, with a UPF value reaching 119.31. Remarkably, the revised wool fabrics retained their antioxidant and anti-UV properties even post-washing, highlighting their outstanding wash resilience. Furthermore, the sequential application of microwave heating followed by water bath treatment enhanced the binding affinity between apple polyphenols and wool fibers, resulting in improved functional performance of the modified fabric. This study presents a pioneering approach to the application of apple polyphenols in the functionalization of wool fabric, opening new avenues for the utilization of biologic materials in textile dyeing processes.

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