The Chemical Composition of Wool

Abstract

A study is made of the disruption of wool by ultrasonic disintegration and the separation and identification by microscopy of the major components of the fibre. The ultrasonic disintegration process is investigated empirically in order to establish the conditions under which maximum rates of disruption occur. Of a large number of liquids examined it is found, in confirmation of earlier work, that the rate of disintegration of wool is very slow in water but usually increases in amount as the swelling of the fibre increases. The several exceptions to this rule show that there are other factors of secondary importance in determining the rate of disruption. The amount of disruption is sufficient for preparative purposes and increases in amount in the series dimethyl sulphoxide, formic acid, and dichloroacetic acid.