The Reaction of Formaldehyde with Wool and its Effect on Digestion by Insects

Abstract

Formaldehyde at pH 12 combines with at least 95% of the indole, 55% of the primary amid. 45% of the guanidyl, and 40% of the primary amino groups of wool in 30 min. at room temperature. No evidence for reaction with phenolic or glyoxaline groups has been obtained. Wool treated in this way is resistant to attack from newly hatched and fully active larvae of the clothes moth ( Tineola bisselliella Humm) and from newly hatched hut not fully active larvae of the furniture carpet beetle ( Anthrenus flavipes Le Conte). Possible mechanisms for this effect are discussed. The treated wool shows increased resistance to alkali, acid, thioglycollate, trypsin, and soil micro-organisms. but the appearance, felting shrinkage, bursting strength, abrasion resistance, and yarn strength are unaltered.