Effects of trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene on fine structure of wool

TLDR: In this article, the results of DTA, DSC and X-ray diffraction examinations of wool samples treated with trichloroethylene (TRI) and tetrachloro methylene (PER) were presented.

Abstract: Studies have been made on the structure of wool fibres treated with trichloroethylene (TRt) and tetrachloroethylene (PER) by means of differential thermal analysis (DTA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffractometry. The samples were treated with TRI at temperatures ranging from 40 ~ to 87 ~ and with PER at temperatures from 40 ~ to 121 ~ . TRI and PER treatment caused changes in the wool samples which were detected on the DTA curves. Changes in the degree of order brought about by TRI and PER, calculated from the DSC scans, were in accord with those determined from the X-ray data. The wool samples treated with TRI showed an increase, and those treated with PER a decrease, in the content of the ordered phase as the treatment time was increased. In addition to other techniques, differential thermal analysis has recently been gaining ground in textile research and technology. The first DTA study concerning protein fibres was that of Schwenker and Dusenbury [1]. These and subsequent investigations [I-9] have resulted assignments of observed characteristics to structural features of the examined wool fibres. The specific thermally-induced transitions in the observed features have been discussed in relation to the thermal or chemical modification of the wool. The present study is concerned with DTA, DSC and X-ray diffraction examinations of wool samples treated with trichloroethylene (TRI) and tetrachloroethylene (PER), Our aim has been to extend the scope of conclusions on structural changes within wool fibre due to organic solvent application. The knowledge of these changes is of assistance in establishing the optimum process-engineering conditions for anhydrous treatment of wool, ensuring that the wool fibres preserve their high utility values. Experimental Investigations were carried out on Australian Merino greasy wool staple. The average fibre length and diameter were 65 mm and 18-20/)m, respectively. Fibres, when cleaned from trash and mechanical impurities by Soxhlet extraction with diethyl ether for 12 hours, were treated with TRI and PER. The woos fibre treatment conditions were as listed in Table 1.