Modification of wool and cotton by UV irradiation for dyeing and finishing processes

UV radiations can act in different ways on the functionalization of textiles, through pre- or posttreatments, in order to modify their behavior in dyeing and finishing processes. Specific photomodification can occur in a particular textile substrate due to UV irradiation, so the effect of UV exposure was investigated, focusing principally on wool and cotton as textile substrates. The UV treatments applied in the textile field, in addition to required specific effects, should also meet the following requirements: - easy application, not needing technical or sophisticated equipments; - durability and fastness of the degree of treatment for future uses; - limited treatment costs, not precluding any market segment; - environmentally friendly characteristics, for a sustainable textile process. In this chapter, the existing UV procedures and/or recent proposals, with its consequent conferred functionalities, are described.