The Theory of Shrinkproofing of Wool

A study has been made of the localization of polyglycine deposits on Lincoln fibers from the polymerization of either anhydrocarboxyglycine (ACG) or thiazolid-2:5-dione (Dione). By optical and electron microscopic techniques, the polyglycine from either type of monomer has been observed in the form of spicular aggregates which constitute a layer of variable thickness and density over the fiber surface for given concentrations of polyglycine uptake by the wool. The microscopic evidence confirms independent results which indicate that the site of attachment of the polyglycine deposit is restricted to the surface of the fiber cuticle.