O o d h e a d p u b L i s h I n g L i m I t e d

Abstract: The colour and photostability of fibres are important qualities,
particularly for the production of brilliant white and bright pastel shade
products that are essential for new and rapidly expanding casual apparel
markets. This chapter describes the evolution of the natural cream colour of
wool, current methods of wool colour measurement and commercial
treatments for improving colour, such as bleaching and fluorescent
whitening. The photostability of wool, which is poor compared with cotton
and synthetic fibres, is discussed together with aspects of its complex
photochemistry, and the potential for achieving brighter, whiter wools with
improved stability is presented.