The Allwörden Reaction on Corona Treated Wool

Abstract

It has been shown by use of the Allwörden reaction that epicuticle of wool is still intact following corona discharge treatments in air and air/chlorine atmospheres in sliver form. The surface protein of keratin fibers after electrical dis charge treatments can, therefore, be isolated and investigated in a manner similar to that for virgin wool. That the Allwörden reaction depends on more than the conversion of cystine to cysteic acid in epicuticle is discussed. Corona treatment appears to be a method of increasing resistance to felting shrinkage without disrupting the epicuticle of a keratin fiber.