Part II: The Densities of Native Keratins

Abstract

An apparatus for rapid density determinations is described in which small keratin samples may be dried and anhydrous solvent subsequently distilled onto them, the density being measured by finding the temperature at which the sample neither floats nor sinks. Densities of a representative series of keratins are reported and used to assess relative crystallinity. The measured densities are compared with those predicted by various models of α-keratin structure.