Keratin Fibres VI. Mechanism of the Allwörden Reaction

Abstract

On treatment with chlorine water, Allworden sacs are formed on the surface of keratin fibres and on single cuticle cells separated from fibres. Their rate of formation has been studied for wool fibres subjected to various pretreatments. The experimental results can be explained in terms of six conditions, all of which must be satisfied if Allworden sacs are to be formed.