Mechanical Properties and the Structure of Hair

Abstract

A simple quantitative method for determining the amount of mechanical strength contributed by the various types of bonds in hair fiber has been developed. The effects of various types of reagents, such as acids, bases, oxidizing agents, and reducing agents, are discussed. The reaction between various chemical agents and hair fibers has been found to be first- order with respect to the reagent and also with respect to the bonds to be broken. The effect of temperature is discussed. Using the theory of absolute reaction rates, the heats and entropies of activation for the reaction have been calculated. The rate of diffusion into hair has been considered. Using Fick's second law of diffusion, the diffusion coefficient of hydroxyl ion in hair has been calculated. Also applying the theory of absolute reaction rates, the values for the heat and entropy of activation have been calculated.