Stereoscan Microscopy of Chlorine/ Resin-Treated Wool

Abstract

The scanning electron microscope (Stereoscan) has been used to study the surface modifications that occur during chlorine-resin shrinkproofing. Each stage of the treat ment causes a variety of clearly distinguishable changes in the fiber surface. After chlorination or neutralization, four types of surface topography occur, while the resin- treated fibers may be divided into two or three types, depending on the level of treatment. The main features of the chlorinated fibers are the rounding of the scale tip, together with the appearance of longitudinal striations in the cuticle, and a smooth region near the distal end of the scale. Further modifications occur during neutralization, the scale tips becoming more rounded and the surface generally more smooth.- When a high degree of shrink resistance is obtained, all the fibers are completely covered by a layer of resin which may be smooth or rough with thick ridges of resin along the scale tips. These resin layers remain intact even after severe washing for long times.