103—WOOL SURFACE PROPERTIES AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON DYE UPTAKE—A MICROSCOPICAL STUDY

Abstract

A microscopical technique was employed to localize and to identify the variations in the rate of dyeing between different wool fibres as well as between parts of the same fibre. Dyed fibres were examined visually and in cross-section. By modifying the surface of the wool fibres by chemical and/or physical means the causes of the variations in the rate of dyeing have been investigated. Several dyes were used, but 1 : 1 and 2 : 1 metal-corriplex dyes illustrated different effects and were mainly employed. Two retarding mechanisms influencing the rate of dyeing were considered, one of an apparently mechanical kind and one of a chemical nature. An elucidation of the chemical “barrier” was attempted by using different chemical treatments.