The Production of Unshrinkability by Cross-Linkage Formation in Wool

The study investigates the reaction of mercuric acetate with animal fibers, specifically Lincoln wool and human hair. It finds that the diffusion rate of mercuric acetate into Lincoln wool is 2.2 times faster than into human hair, due to the finer nature of wool fibers. This results in a more rapid modification of the elastic properties of wool compared to human hair. The research concludes that mercuric acetate effectively makes wool unshrinkable by altering its elastic properties, as evidenced by the relationship between milling shrinkage and fiber penetration observed in stained cross-sections.