Wool Chlorination and Shrink-Resist Treatments

Wool chlorination uses aqueous chlorine (Cl₂ at 0.5–2.0% owf) or dichloroisocyanuric acid (DCCA) to oxidize and partially remove cuticle scale surfaces, reducing felting shrinkage from >30% to <3% area shrinkage meeting IWS TM31 machine-washable standard. Hercosett 125 polyamide-epichlorohydrin resin is applied at 1.5–2.5% owf as secondary coating. Chlorine-free alternatives including ozone, plasma, and enzyme treatments are emerging due to AOX effluent regulations. Treated wool commands 20–30% premium for machine-washable knitwear markets.