Allworden reaction

The qualitative observations of the Allworden reaction are produced by relatively large concentrations of chlorine or bromine water. Fair and Gupta [41] were the first to investigate the effect of chlorine water on hair, at the parts-per-million level, in an attempt to assess the effects of chlorine in swimming pools on hair. 

Alternatively, damage to the outer layers (epicuticle) may be revealed by means Allwbrden reaction [20]. When wool fibres are immersed in chlorine or bromine water, bubbles or blisters known as Allworden sacs are formed on the surface. Damage to the fibre surface may show up by lessening the size of or eliminating altogether, the blisters. This test is particularly useful when damage caused by alkali treatment is severe. 

Figure 1-25. Allworden sacs formed at the surface of hair fibers during reaction with chlorine water.

---