Friction Between Keratin Surfaces as Affected by Some Shrinkproofing Treatments*

Abstract

SummaryThe results of the present experiments show that it is not necessary to alter the physical structure of the fibre scales in order to reduce their D. F. E. on a smooth keratin surface. Treatment of the keratin surface alone with certain of the reagents used for reducing shrinkability will bring about the necessary reduction. These findings therefore support the views of Martin2 (1944) in indicating that the D. F. E. is not simply the physical result of scaliness. They also show that when dealing with fibre surfaces in which the coefficients of friction are very low, the D. F. E. is not as important in interpreting results as the actual value for the coefficients of friction in each direction.Finally, they emphasise the need to have both keratin surfaces treated by the different reagents when observing the effect of the latter on the wool fibre surface. With both surfaces treated it has been found that all the reagents used for reducing shrinkability, except alcoholic caustic potash, markedly reduce the with‐scale and anti‐scale coefficients. Alcoholic caustic potash, on the other hand, increases the value of each.