Determination of the Presence and Distribution of Polymers on Wool

Abstract

The presence and distribution of a wide range of polymers on wool can be determined by preferentially staining the polymer‐treated wool with a selected fluorochrome, followed by observation, under u.v. light, using an optical microscope. The technique is a simple, rapid and less expensive alternative to the scanning electron microscope. It enables the spread of polymer along the fibre and the types of fibre—fibre bonds to be readily observed.