Reaction of a new thiol cationic surfactant with bunte salt in wool fibers

Abstract

A new, effective, specific quaternary ammonium compound, N-dodecyl-amino-betaine-2-mercaptoethylamine hydrochloride (DABM), is synthesized to confer permanent characteristics (antimicrobial properties, improved dyeing and softening) on keratin material (wool, human hair). We have studied the reaction between bisulphite-treated weal and DABM as a function of time in a buffered medium, and monitor it with FTIR ATR spectroscopy, which allows us to follow the changes in cysteine-S-sulphonate groups (at 1023 cm(-1)) located in the cuticula of keratin fibers. We believe DABM links permanently to keratin fibers, given the disappearance of the cysteine-S-sulphonate band during treatment, Trend approximation and corresponding functions are obtained for experimental data.