Allwörden's Reaction

Abstract

43creased tensile strength when untwisted. The bonding agent is believed to be gelatinized material [3] on the surface of the fibers. Other chemical processes, e.g., use of alcoholic caustic potash, are being examined in this light.

The Fine Histology of the Keratin Fibers

“…The chlorine preferentially attacks the intermediate layer (see below), loosening the epicuticle, which then may be shaken off (see Figure 5). In the aqueous suspension are found the characteristic thin membranes such as are illustrated in the original papers [12,13] and the accompanying paper [16]. The manner of preparation is sufficient to establish the fact that the films must lie on the outside of the fibers.…”

“…Evidence for tlze Multiple Structure of the Cuticle The evidence for the existence of the epicuticle is simple and direct [ 12,13] . Wool fibers are lightly chlorinated, washed, and shaken in water.…”

“…Allw6rden's Reaction An analysis of this well-known reaction [1,4] has recently been given [12]. Briefly, the cause of the blistering of the fiber surface when immersed in chlorine water is the attack of the chlorine on the intermediate layer-the exocuticle-beneath the epicuticle.…”

“…A S A RESULT of an optical examination of damaged wool fibers stained by various techniques, Reumuth [12] ] concluded that two sheath-like layers enveloped the cortex. He interpreted this to mean that underneath the cuticle proper there was a second layer, which was therefore named the &dquo;subcutis.&dquo; Subsequently, Lehmann [7,8] and E16d and Zahn [2] discovered methods whereby it was possible, through the solution of scales and cortex, to isolate from wool and hair thin tubular residues, which they described as the &dquo;subcutis.&dquo;…”

Microscopical Dyeing Phenomena; Studies with the Microdyeoscope

“…Much remains to be learned of the nature of the precipitated complex and of its ultimate disposition in the dyeing. Many investigators have studied the formation of Allworden sacs during the acid chlorination of wool [2,4,5,7,8,10,13]. It is generally agreed that these sacs are formed by osmotic pressure within the epicuticle.…”