A wool fabric has been subjected to an atmospheric-pressure treatment with a helium plasma for 30 seconds. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry confirmed removal of the covalently-bound fatty acid layer (F-layer) from the surface of the wool fibers, resulting in exposure of the underlying, hydrophilic protein material. Dye uptake experiments were carried out at 50°C to evaluate the effects of plasma on the rate of dye uptake by the fiber surface, as well as give an indication of the adsorption characteristics in the early stages of a typical dyeing cycle. The dyes used were typical, sulfonated wool dyes with a range of hydrophobic characteristics, as determined by their partitioning behavior between water and n-butanol. No significant effects of plasma on the rate of dye adsorption were observed with relatively hydrophobic dyes. In contrast, the relatively hydrophilic dyes were adsorbed more rapidly (and uniformly) by the plasma-treated fabric. It was concluded that adsorption of hydrophobic dyes on plasma-treated wool was influenced by hydrophobic interactions, whereas electrostatic effects predominated for dyes of more hydrophilic character. On heating the dyebath to 90°C in order to achieve fiber penetration, no significant effect of the plasma treatment on the extent of uptake or levelness of a relatively hydrophilic dye was observed as equilibrium conditions were approached.
Soil pH is the most commonly requested analysis undertaken during farm advisory work. Determination of pH assists in understanding many reactions that occur in soil. Variations in pH between soils have been related to a number of other soil parameters. In this study thirty different soils were collected from agricultural areas to have a wide range of pH, salinity, and texture. The objective was to study the relationship between soil pH and salinity. A negative relationship was found between soil salinity and pH. The main factor contributing to this relationship was probably the presence of soluble Ca 2+ ion in soil. Variations in soluble Ca 2+ ion concentrations between soils were negatively related to soil pH and positively related to soil salinity. Other soil properties that may affect pH, including CEC, CaCO 3 , clay content, gypsum and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), were also determined.
This paper investigates the use of ultrasonic agitation as a method for reducing felting and area shrinkage during the laundering of wool fabric. Work was conducted to evaluate the changes in fibre and fabric properties after repeated exposure to ultrasonic agitation, and also the effectiveness of ultrasonic treatment to remove common stains. Fabric colour, appearance, tensile strength, dimensional stability and thickness were measured before and after each test. Ultrasonic agitation produced fine cracks in the scale structure of the fibre, but these had negligible effects on the strength and colour when compared to hand washing. Ultrasonic agitation caused less fibre migration than hand washing, with a reduced rate of thickness increase and felting. Ultrasonic agitation increased the level of stain removed from the fabric when compared with hand washing.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.