Anti-pilling merino wool fabric, garment comprising same and manufacturing method

Abstract

The invention provides an anti-pilling wool fabric with a coating and resistance to fiber loss on the surface of the fabric. The coating is formed from a coating formulation of at least two diisocyanates, at least two catalysts, a water dispersant, a buffer, and water, the coating formulation provides a polycarbodiimide cross-linking agent that is reactive to groups that are relatively less reactive on the polypeptides of the wool fabric and promotes cross-linking between the polypeptides of the wool fabric under relatively mild processing conditions, enhancing the mechanical strength of the wool fabric compared to conventional treatment methods for the wool fabric, and improving the mechanical properties of the wool fabric. Meanwhile, the obvious influence of the original facing merino wool fabric and / or clothing and the fiber loss of the fabric surface are not observed. Corresponding coating formulations and methods of making anti-pilling wool fabrics are also provided. The method is used for wool fabric finished products, and fibers of the wool fabric finished products have been dyed with one or more coloring agents, and / or one or more dyes, and / or one or more reactive dyes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention provides a merino wool fabric that resists pilling. Specifically, the present invention provides a merino wool fabric that resists pilling, the wool fabric having a pilling resistance of at least Grade 4 determined according to the JIS L1076 ICI method and a fiber loss of less than 0.2% w / w in 15 cycles of home laundry without using a laundry net. Also provided are related manufacturing methods and garments comprising the fabric. Background Art

[0002] Compared to synthetic fibers such as polyester, animal fibers such as merino wool are relatively weak in tensile strength and are susceptible to fiber breakage. Fabrics including wool fibers are prone to fiber loss on the fabric surface during wearing or washing, forming fuzz. In addition, the presence of cuticle scales on the surface of merino wool fibers also leads to differences in the coefficient of friction between fibers. The presence of mechanical actions including washing, friction and abrasion on the surface of wool fabrics will cause directional movement of the fibers, thereby allowing the fuzz to entangle into fuzz pellets, and the aggregated pellets will eventually fall off the surface of the merino wool fabric.

[0003] In order to reduce fiber loss and pilling on the surface of Merino wool fabrics, conventional solutions mainly involve reducing fiber loss and fuzz entanglement and pilling aggregation, reducing friction between fibers, and increasing the mechanical strength of fibers. Specifically, these methods include enzyme treatment to remove smaller and shorter loose fibers on the surface of the fabric; plasma treatment to reduce friction between fibers; and the use of polyacrylate coatings on wool fibers to increase the mechanical strength of wool fibers, thereby reducing fiber loss on the surface. However, these methods usually have disadvantages. For example, the use of polyacrylate coatings is not suitable for finished Merino wool fabrics and / or clothing and can cause significant discoloration of the original finish. Enzyme treatment can potentially lead to more fiber loss because this method is not only selective for loose fibers on the surface of the fabric. Plasma treatment has obstacles in industrialization.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a new Merino wool fabric having improved mechanical properties while avoiding surface pilling and fiber loss due to coating. Summary of the invention

[0005] Thus, one aspect of the present invention provides a pilling resistant merino wool fabric having a pilling resistance of at least 4 and a fiber loss of less than 0.2% w / w in 15 cycles of home laundry without a laundry net, the pilling resistant merino wool fabric being coated with a formulation comprising about 8 to 30% w / w of an aqueous polymer binder and about 70 to 92% w / w of an aqueous buffer, wherein the polymer binder comprises at least two diisocyanates, at least two catalysts and a water dispersant.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the pilling resistance of the wool fabric of the present invention is determined according to the JIS L1076 ICI method.

[0007] In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the at least two diisocyanates include isophorone diisocyanate and 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate.

[0008] In one specific embodiment, the molar ratio of isophorone diisocyanate to 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate is 4:1.

[0009] In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the at least two catalysts include 3-methyl-1-phenyl-2-phospholene-1 oxide and dibutyltin(IV) dilaurate.

[0010] In a specific embodiment, the molar concentration of 3-methyl-1-phenyl-2-phospholene-1 oxide is about 0.2 to 1.0% relative to the at least two diisocyanates.

[0011] In another specific embodiment, the concentration of dibutyltin(IV) dilaurate relative to the aqueous dispersant is about 0.01% w / w.

[0012] In one embodiment, the water dispersant is one or both of polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether 350 and polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether 550.

[0013] In one embodiment, the buffer is selected from phosphate or borate; and the buffer is adjusted to about pH 8.0.

[0014] The formulation of the present invention introduces a polycarbodiimide crosslinker into the less reactive carboxylic acid groups present on the Merino wool fabric fibers. The polycarbodiimide polymer chains of the crosslinker can also be tuned by adjusting the ratio of different monomers, added catalysts and / or reaction conditions, thereby increasing the flexibility of the formulation. The formulation of the present invention can be fully cured within 48 hours at room temperature and is easily formed into a coating on existing Merino wool fabric.

[0015] The second aspect of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing the Merino wool fabric of the first aspect. The method comprises: Merino wool fabrics are available; A coating formulation is prepared comprising: mixing a first diisocyanate and a second diisocyanate in a first molar ratio with a first catalyst in a second molar ratio relative to the first diisocyanate and the second diisocyanate to form a first solution, adding a first weight percent of a water dispersant and a second weight percent of a second catalyst to the first solution relative to the total weight of the first diisocyanate and the second diisocyanate to form a second solution, adding water to the second solution, followed by mixing until a homogeneous solution of a polymer binder in water is formed as a third solution, preparing a fourth solution comprising an aqueous buffer at pH 8.0, adding the fourth solution to the third solution followed by mixing until a homogeneous solution is formed, thereby obtaining the coating formulation; applying the coating formulation to the merino wool fabric; and Excess coating formulation was removed from the Merino wool fabric and subsequently dried.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first diisocyanate is selected from isophorone diisocyanate and the second diisocyanate is selected from 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate.

[0017] In a specific embodiment, the first molar ratio between the first diisocyanate and the second diisocyanate is 4:1.

[0018] In another specific embodiment, the first catalyst is selected from 3-methyl-1-phenyl-2-phospholene-1 oxide.

[0019] More specifically, a second molar ratio of the first catalyst to the first diisocyanate and the second diisocyanate is about 0.2% to 1%.

[0020] In one embodiment, the water dispersant is one or both of polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether 350 and polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether 550.

[0021] In a specific embodiment, the first weight percentage of the aqueous dispersant is about 126% relative to the total weight of the first diisocyanate and the second diisocyanate.

[0022] In one embodiment, the second catalyst is selected from dibutyltin(IV) dilaurate.

[0023] In one specific embodiment, the second weight percentage of the second catalyst is about 0.01% relative to the weight of the aqueous dispersant.

[0024] In one embodiment, the buffer is selected from phosphate or borate.

[0025] In one embodiment, the first diisocyanate and the second diisocyanate are mixed by stirring until a clear solution is obtained, and then the mixture is heated to 160° C. for about 35 to 50 minutes, and then the mixture is cooled to about 120° C. to obtain the first solution.

[0026] In one embodiment, the second solution is obtained by mixing the second catalyst and the water dispersant until a homogeneous solution is formed, and then adding the homogeneous solution to the first solution and stirring at about 120° C. for about 2 hours.

[0027] In one embodiment, after cooling the second solution to 80° C., water is added dropwise to the second solution with stirring until a clear homogeneous solution is obtained and a water content of about 63% w / w in the polymer binder is reached.

[0028] In one embodiment, the fourth solution is added to the third solution followed by mixing until a homogenous solution is formed as the coating formulation, and the fourth solution comprises at least about 70% w / w of the aqueous buffer relative to the third solution.

[0029] In any one or more aspects of the present invention, the wool fabric described herein coated with the coating formulation of the present invention and / or manufactured according to the method described herein can be a finished wool fabric that has been dyed with one or more colorants, and / or dyes and / or one or more reactive dyes.

[0030] Also provided is a garment comprising the described merino wool fabric and / or prepared by the method of any aspect of the invention, including but not limited to ribbed knits, shirts, dresses, sweaters, and the like. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The present disclosure will be more fully understood from the following detailed description which is provided for the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure only and therefore not by way of limitation, wherein:

[0032] Figure 1A Schematically depicting the technical challenges of cross-linking wool fibers in the presence of reactive dyes on finished merino wool fabrics and / or garments;

[0033] Figure 1B Schematically describe how the present invention solves Figure 1A The technical difficulties of the prior art described in ;

[0034] Figure 1C Schematically depicting how the present invention provides cross-linking with reactive groups on wool fabric in the presence of a reactive dye according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 The preparation of the coating formulation is schematically depicted;

[0036] Figure 3A The anti-pilling performance of the present invention on a single jersey knit is shown as determined by the surface morphology according to the JIS L1076 ICI method; the inset in the upper right corner shows a series of reference photographs of the surface morphology of corresponding fabrics of different grades (1.0 to 5.0) determined according to the JIS L1076 ICI method;

[0037] Figure 3B The anti-pilling performance of the present invention on a 2×2 rib-stitch as determined by surface morphology according to the JIS-L1076 ICI method is shown; the inset in the upper right corner shows a series of reference photos of the surface morphology of corresponding fabrics of different grades (1.0 to 5.0) determined according to the JIS L1076 ICI method. definition

[0038] Unless otherwise indicated, the term "a / an" is used to include one or more than one, and the term "or" is used to refer to a non-exclusive "or". In addition, it should be understood that the terms or terms used herein and not otherwise defined are for descriptive purposes only and are not limiting. In addition, all publications, patents, and patent documents mentioned in this document are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, just as if they were individually incorporated by reference. If there is an inconsistency in usage between this document and those documents incorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated references should be considered to supplement the usage of this document; if there is an irreconcilable inconsistency, the usage in this document shall prevail.

[0039] In the preparation method described herein, except for the case where the time sequence or operation sequence is explicitly stated, the steps can be performed in any order without departing from the principles of the present invention. The gist of stating that a step is performed first and then several other steps are performed subsequently in the claim should mean that the first step is performed before any other step, but the other steps can be performed in any suitable order unless the order is further stated in the other steps. For example, the claim element stating "step A, step B, step C, step D and step E" should be interpreted as meaning that step A is performed first and step E is performed last, and steps B, C and D can be performed in any order between step A and step E, and the order is still within the text of the required method. A given step or a subset of steps can also be repeated. In addition, unless the explicit claim language states that the specified steps are performed separately, the steps can be performed in parallel. For example, the required step of performing X and the required step of performing Y can be performed simultaneously in a single operation, and the resulting method will be within the text of the required method.

[0040] "Association" or variations thereof described herein with respect to the interaction between different compounds, molecules and / or substances may refer to any physical, chemical and / or other possible bonding between the compounds, molecules and / or substances to which such expressions or terms are applied.

[0041] The "water dispersant" described herein refers to an agent that helps the polycarbodiimide polymer to disperse in water. Specifically, this agent reacts with the polycarbodiimide polymer to form "caps" on both ends of the polymer to present a homogeneous solution of the polycarbodiimide polymer in water.

[0042] In this disclosure, "polycarbodiimide polymer" and "polycarbodiimide crosslinker" are used interchangeably to refer to a polymer that reacts with less reactive groups on an animal fiber, such as a finished wool fabric or garment, such as merino wool fabric or garment.

[0043] The pilling resistance of the wool fabric or garment described herein is tested and graded according to the ICI method of JIS L1076. Grade 5 indicates excellent pilling resistance, and Grade 1 shows poor pilling resistance.

[0044] The "color change" of the wool fabric finished product or garment described herein is graded on the original wool fabric finished product or garment according to the gray scale of ISO105-A02. Grade 5 shows that the color change has minimal impact on the original surface of the fabric, and grade 1 shows that the color change has significant impact on the original surface of the fabric. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The present invention will be described in detail by the following embodiments / examples in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted in a limiting manner.

[0046] Steering Figure 1A , polypeptides of wool fibers on typical fabrics, such as polypeptides of Merino wool fibers, have reactive functional groups, and among these reactive functional groups, amino groups (NH2) usually react with one or more reactive dyes to provide surface finishing and / or coloring to wool fabrics. Therefore, a method of cross-linking wool fibers to increase the mechanical strength of wool fibers to reduce surface fiber loss becomes extremely challenging; this surface lacks reactive functional groups to react and / or cross-link with the polymer of the protective polymer coating, thereby improving the mechanical strength of the fiber and reducing fiber loss and pilling on the fabric surface. In order to solve this technical problem, the present invention provides a polymer that is cross-linked with polypeptides of wool fabrics at less reactive functional groups, while the processing / reaction conditions are relatively mild and can be carried out in water. The covalent linkage between the reactive dye and the amino group on the polypeptide of the wool fiber remains intact, thereby reducing the chance of color change of the original finish of the wool fabric and / or garment ( Figure 1B In a preferred embodiment, a polycarbodiimide crosslinker is provided as a crosslinker, which interacts with the carboxylic acid groups on the polypeptides of the wool fiber, thereby first forming an O-acylisourea group and then forming an N-acylurea group when one polypeptide is crosslinked with another polypeptide through the polycarbodiimide polymer ( Figure 1C ).

[0047] Steering Figure 2 The polycarbodiimide crosslinking agent of the present invention is formed by reacting at least two monomers, such as two diisocyanates, i.e., isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), with a first catalyst, such as 3-methyl-1-phenyl-2-phosphole-1 oxide (MPPO) for a first time period (t1) to form a first reaction product (200), i.e., a polycarbodiimide polymer. After cooling, the polycarbodiimide polymer is further reacted with a water dispersant such as polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether 550 (MPEG 550) and a second catalyst such as dibutyltin (IV) dilaurate for a second time period (t2) to form a polymer binder, and then cooled. Water is added dropwise to the polymer binder and heated to a temperature (T1) under stirring until a homogeneous solution (210) of the polymer binder in water is obtained. The homogeneous solution (210) is further mixed with a buffer solution of pH 8.0 before being applied to the wool fabric.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, t1 is about 50 minutes, and the first reaction between the two diisocyanates and the first catalyst is carried out at about 155-160°C, more preferably at 160°C.

[0049] In another preferred embodiment, t2 is about 2 hours, and the second reaction between the polycarbodiimide polymer, MPEG 550, and dibutyltin(IV) dilaurate is performed at about 120°C.

[0050] In yet another preferred embodiment, T1 is about 80°C, and the homogenous solution obtained after adding water dropwise to the polymer binder has a final water content of about 63% w / w.

[0051] In another preferred embodiment, a homogenous solution of the above polymer binder in water is mixed with an aqueous phosphate or borate buffer at pH 8.0, wherein the above solution is at least 8% by weight of the total solution.

[0052] Examples

[0053] Example 1 - Preparation of coating formulation for Merino wool fabric:

[0054] Table 1 below summarizes the composition of a polymer binder in water (I) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Table 1 - Composition of polymer binder in water (I) : Material Amount (volume / weight) Molar amount Isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) 55mL / 58.3g 0.262mol 1,6-Hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) 10.4mL / 10.9g 0.0649mol 3-Methyl-1-phenyl-2-phosphocyclopentene-1-oxide (MPPO) 0.3125g 1.63mmol Polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether 550 (MPEG550) 82mL / 87.7g Dibutyltin(IV) dilaurate 8.2mg water 270g

[0056] Preparation procedure: 1) 3-methyl-1-phenyl-2-phosphole-1-oxide (MPPO) (0.5 mol% relative to the total amount of the two diisocyanates), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) (25 mol% relative to the amount of isophorone diisocyanate, or a molar ratio of IPDI to HDI = 4:1) were charged into a 500 mL flask under stirring until a clear solution was obtained. Then, the solution was heated to 160° C. and maintained for 50 minutes (t1); 2) After 50 minutes, the solution was cooled to 120°C. Dibutyltin(IV) dilaurate (0.01 wt% relative to MPEG550) was added to MPEG 550 (126 wt% relative to the total weight of the two diisocyanates) under stirring until a homogeneous solution was obtained. The homogeneous solution was added to the above cooled solution under stirring. The reaction mixture was kept stirring at 120°C for 2 hours (t2); 3) After stirring for 2 hours, the reaction mixture from (2) was cooled to 80°C (T1). Water (170% by weight relative to the total weight of reagents added) was added dropwise under stirring until a clear homogeneous solution was obtained. Final water content: 63% w / w.

[0057] Example 2 - Variations in the composition and / or preparation conditions of the polymer binder formulation:

[0058] Table 2 below summarizes three other examples (i.e., compositions (II), (III) and (IV) of polymer binder in water) in addition to the composition (I) of polymer binder in water described in Example 1:

[0059] Table 2 : Composition of polymer binder in water MPEG <![CDATA[t1 / minutes]]> <![CDATA[t2 / hour]]> T1 / ℃ (I) 550 50 2 80 (II) 350 35 17 60 (III) 550 50 2 60 (IV) 550 50 17 80

[0060] Example 3 - Other Variations in Polymer Binder Manufacturing

[0061] Table 3 below summarizes other changes in the manufacture of a polymer binder comprising polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether 350 (MPEG 350).

[0062] Table 3:

[0063] Example 4 - Pilling Resistance of Merino Wool Fabrics with Different Coating Formulations

[0064] In this example, about 8% w / w of compositions (I) to (IV) of the polymer binders from Examples 1 and 2 in water were added to about 92% w / w of a phosphate buffer solution or borate buffer at pH 8.0, and then a merino wool fabric with a 2×2 rib weave was soaked in each coating formulation.

[0065] Under laboratory conditions, the merino wool fabrics were soaked in 350 mL of the coating formulation and agitated in a laundering fastness tester at room temperature or 25° C. for 30 minutes. Each fabric was then squeezed with a laboratory wringer (at about 10 lbs) to remove excess solution and then tumble dried at 80° C. for 30 minutes. Each fabric was then line dried for 48 hours under ambient conditions and ironed before testing.

[0066] Table 4 below summarizes the pilling resistance results obtained according to the JIS L1076 ICI method.

[0067] Table 4 :

[0068] As can be seen from Table 4, the pilling resistance results of 2×2 rib weave Merino wool fabric coated with a coating formulation comprising any of compositions (I), (II), (III) or (IV) of a polymer binder in water and a phosphate or borate buffer at pH 8 are better than those of the uncoated Merino wool fabric.

[0069] Example 5 - Variation of the ratio between aqueous polymer binder and aqueous buffer:

[0070] Table 5 below provides two different ratios of water-based polymer binder (Table 1) to buffer solution (phosphate or borate) and the pilling resistance of coated merino wool fabric on 2×2 rib weave determined according to JIS L1076 ICI method. The conditions and procedure for forming the coating on black 2×2 rib weave followed those described in Example 4.

[0071] Table 5 :

[0072] As can be seen from Table 5, the black merino wool fabric in a 2×2 rib weave coated with a coating formulation having a higher polymer binder ratio has lower pilling resistance than the fabric coated with a coating formulation having a lower polymer binder ratio (or higher buffer fraction).

[0073] Example 6 - Effect of Different Fabric Constructions and / or Colors on Pilling Resistance, Color Change of Original Finish, and Fiber Loss in Home Laundry for 15 Cycles without a Laundry Net

[0074] Table 6 below summarizes the pilling resistance of single jersey fabrics of different colors (white, black, green, blue and red) versus 2×2 rib weaves coated with the coating formulation according to entry 1 in Example 5 determined according to JIS L 1076 ICI method. The results of the gray scale grading of color change for the original finish of the Merino wool fabric were evaluated according to ISO 105-A02.

[0075] For the fiber loss evaluation for the home laundry cycle according to JIS L0217 method 103, the merino wool garments were washed for 5 minutes without a laundry net, rinsed for 2 minutes, followed by a 2-minute rinse in a designated washing machine according to the test standard, using ECE standard detergent. The above cycle was repeated 15 times. The washed garments were then laid flat for drying. All the fibers discharged from the washing machine hose and the fibers remaining in the washing machine were collected. They were dried and the humidity was adjusted to standard conditions before measuring the weight. The fiber loss percentage is defined as the amount of fiber loss (g) divided by the weight of the garment before the test (g).

[0076] Table 6:

[0077] Figure 3A and 3B Shown are the pilling resistance rating results of single jersey knit fabrics and 2×2 rib knit fabrics in different colors, respectively, coated with the coating formulation according to Item 1 in Example 5 versus uncoated knit fabric.

[0078] As can be seen from Table 6, the single jersey and 2×2 rib knit fabrics coated with the coating formulation of Item 1 in Example 5, as described above, regardless of color, produced excellent pilling resistance (at least 4.0) and minimal color change from the original finish (according to ISO105-A02, based on the gray scale grading for the original finish of Merino wool fabrics). Forming the coating on the single jersey and 2×2 rib knit fabrics did not significantly affect the fiber loss of the coated and finished Merino wool garments after 15 cycles of home laundry without the use of a laundry net. Regardless of the construction method or color, the Merino wool fabrics coated with the coating formulations of the present invention had excellent pilling resistance, minimal color change from the original finish, and no significant fiber loss after 15 cycles of home laundry without the use of a laundry net.

[0079] Example 7 - Comparative composition of polymer binder in water (V)

[0080] Table 7 below summarizes comparative compositions (V) relative to the polymer binder of (I) described in Example 1 in water.

[0081] Table 7 : Material Amount (volume / weight) Molar amount Isophorone diisocyanate 5.8mL / 6.1g 27.7mmol 1,6-Hexamethylene diisocyanate 1.1mL / 1.2g 6.87mmol 3-Methyl-1-phenyl-2-phosphocyclopentene-1-oxide 33.1mg 0.172mmol Triethylene glycol monomethyl ether 2.8mL / 2.9g Dibutyltin(IV) dilaurate 0.28mg water 17mL

[0082] The main difference between composition (V) and (I) is the choice of water dispersant. Triethylene glycol monomethyl ether is used in composition (V) instead of polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether (MPEG) used in composition (I). The remaining ingredients and reaction conditions of composition (V) are substantially the same as those used in (I). This composition does not form a homogeneous polymer binder solution in water and is therefore not suitable as a component of a coating formulation for providing merino wool fabrics with anti-pilling properties.

[0083] Example 8 - Comparative compositions of polymer binders in water (VI): Table 8 below summarizes comparative compositions of polymer binders in water (VI) relative to (I) described in Example 1.

[0084] Table 8 : Material Amount (volume / weight) Molar amount Isophorone diisocyanate 5.4mL / 5.7g 25.7mmol 1,6-Hexamethylene diisocyanate 1.0mL / 1.1g 6.24mmol 3-Methyl-1-phenyl-2-phosphocyclopentene-1-oxide 30.7mg 0.160mmol Polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether 1000 16g Dibutyltin(IV) dilaurate 1.6mg water 17mL In composition (VI), polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether 1000 (MPEG 1000) was used instead of polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether 550 (MPEG 550) used in (I). The remaining ingredients and reaction conditions of composition (VI) were substantially the same as those used in (I). This composition did not form a homogeneous polymer binder solution in water and was therefore not suitable as a component of a coating formulation for providing merino wool fabrics with resistance to pilling. Industrial Applicability

[0085] The present invention is applicable to wool fabrics, including merino wool fabrics, especially wool fabric products or garment products, so as to impart anti-pilling properties of at least level 4 determined according to certain standards while preventing color change and fiber loss during washing.

Claims

1. A pilling resistant merino wool fabric having a pilling resistance of at least grade 4 as determined by JIS L1076 IcI method and a fiber loss of less than 0.2% w / w in 15 cycles of home laundry without a laundry net, the pilling resistant merino wool fabric being coated with a formulation comprising: 8 to 30% w / w of an aqueous polymer binder, the aqueous polymer binder comprising: A polycarbodiimide crosslinking agent, wherein the polycarbodiimide crosslinking agent comprises at least two diisocyanates, a first catalyst, and the first catalyst comprises 3-methyl-1-phenyl-2-phospholene-1 oxide; a second catalyst comprising dibutyltin(IV) dilaurate; Aqueous dispersants; and 70 to 92% w / w aqueous buffer, wherein the at least two diisocyanates and the first catalyst form a polycarbodiimide polymer structure, and the polycarbodiimide crosslinker containing the polycarbodiimide polymer structure interacts with the carboxylic acid groups on the polypeptide of the merino wool fabric to form N-acylurea groups, The polycarbodiimide cross-linking agent containing the polycarbodiimide polymer structure further forms a homogeneous solution in water with the second catalyst and the water dispersant, and the water dispersant forms cap structures on both ends of the polycarbodiimide polymer structure. 2 . The pilling resistant Merino wool fabric according to claim 1 , wherein the at least two diisocyanates comprise isophorone diisocyanate and 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate. 3 . The anti-pilling Merino wool fabric according to claim 1 , wherein the water dispersant is one or both of polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether 350 and polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether 550.

4. The pilling resistant Merino wool fabric according to claim 1, wherein the buffer is selected from phosphates or borates and is adjusted to pH 8.

0.

5. The pilling resistant Merino wool fabric according to claim 2, wherein the molar ratio of isophorone diisocyanate to 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate is 4:

1.

6. The pilling resistant Merino wool fabric according to claim 1, wherein the molar concentration of the 3-methyl-1-phenyl-2-phospholene-1 oxide is 0.2 to 1.0% relative to the at least two diisocyanates.

7. The pilling resistant Merino wool fabric according to claim 1, wherein the concentration of dibutyltin(IV) dilaurate is 0.01% w / w relative to the water dispersant.

8. A garment, characterized in that: The pilling resistant merino wool fabric according to claim 1 has a pilling resistance of at least Grade 4 as determined by the JIS L1076 ICI method, while preventing color change during laundry and having a fiber loss of less than 0.2% w / w during 15 cycles of home laundry without using a laundry net.

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