Comparison of wool reactions with selected mono and bifunctional reagents.
The molecular structure of wool is discussed in relation to chemical reactivity and  the  role of disulfide crosslinks. Ideal characteristics of an effective medium (e.g. dimethylformamide) for modifying wool include the ability to penetrate and swell wool without interfering with reagents used. The extent of reaction of wool or reduced wool is compared for mono-and bifunctional activated vinyl compounds, isocyanates, acid chlorides, acid anhydrides, sulfonyl chlorides, and alkyl halides. The degree of crosslinking is assessed by solubility, supercontraction, and tensile tests. Optical and electron scanning microscopy can give evidence of external polymer deposition in contrast to internal chemical modification. Effects of crosslinking by bifunctional reagents are related to changes in mechanical, chemical, and biological (moth-resisting) properties of the modified wool.
D000818:Animals; D001681:Biological Assay; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002621:Chemistry; D003485:Cyanates; D004220:Disulfides; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D007313:Insecta; D007814:Larva; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011487:Protein Conformation; D011506:Proteins; D012995:Solubility; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship; D014753:Vinyl Compounds; D014935:Wool / Q000648:ultrastructure
D003485:Cyanates; D004220:Disulfides; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D011506:Proteins; D014753:Vinyl Compounds