The Critical Surface Tension of Wool

Abstract

A rapid method for the measurement of the critical surface tension γ c values of individual wool fibers is described. Using this method, a comprehensive study of the wettability of untreated wool fibers has been carried out, and subsequent changes in γ c after various chemical treatments have been monitored. It is shown that the value of γ c obtained depends on the liquid series used for the measurement; the use of aqueous alkanol solutions for such measurements is criticized. The value of γ c for Hcrcosset-57 has been measured, and the spreading coefficient S and work of adhesion WA for this polymer on wool have been re-evaluated.