Observations by Light and Electron Microscopy on Wool Cuticle Fractions Obtained by Ultrasonics

Abstract

The “cuticle material” produced by the action of ultrasonic vibrations on wool fibers has been examined by microscopic techniques. It was found that despite prior laboratory cleaning of virgin wool with solvents the contamination of the wool fiber surface by dust particles, keratinized flakes derived from the skin epidermis, and bacteria was extremely high. Ultrasonic treatments in aqueous solution remove most of these contaminants but are insufficient for releasing much cuticle material. The study has indicated that stringent measures must be taken to remove contaminating particles from the fiber surface prior to ultrasonic release of cuticle material for chemical study. Although an anionic detergent was tested and found to remove most contaminants, a cleaning procedure has not been devised which could be regarded as completely effective.