Protein fibers Finishes

Attributes of hquid repeUency and stain resistance (Gulrajani, 2006) are properties that are particularly attractive in work attire and uniforms. Fiber surface modification by nanowhiskers introduces advantages in stain management without alteration to breathabihty, touch sofmess, and user comfort. Multifunctional fluorocarbon molecules form bonds with cellulosic and proteinous fibers and orientate side-chains to produce a robust hydrophobic and oleophobic finish that shows good wash-fastness (Linford et al., 2005). The apphcation of suitable chemical components (Barthlott, 1996) to fiber surfaces introduces self-cleaning functions that mimic those of leaf surfaces (Neinhuis and Barthlott, 1997) by providing nanoscale elevations and depressions on the modified surface. 

The chloroisocyanurates can be used in the bleaching of cotton, synthetics, and their blends they do, however, attack proteinaceous fibers, such as silk or wool, presumably via active chlorine reaction with the peptide (amide) linkage. However, the chloroisocyanurates can be used as shrink-proofing agents in wool finishing (131), (see Textiles Wool). The same action of chlorine upon proteins contributes to the effectiveness of chloroisocyanurates in automatic dishwashers. 

WOOL, The natural, highly crimped fiber from sheep, wool is one of the oldest fibers from the standpoint of use in textiles. Minute scales on the surface of the fibers allow them to interlock and are responsible for the ability of the fiber to felt, a phenomenon responsible for felt cloth and mill-finished worsteds. Crimpiness in wool is due to the open formation of the scales. Fine merino wool has 24 crimps per inch ( " 10 per centimeter). Luster of the fiber depends upon the size and smoothness of the scales. The basic wool protein, keratin, comprises molecular chains that are linked with sulfur. When sulfur is fed to sheep in areas deficient of the element, the quality of the wool improves. Wool fibers that fall below 3 inches (7.5 centimeters) in length are known as clothing wool fibers 3-7 inches (7.5-17.8 centimeters) long are referred to as combing wools. The wool-liber diameter ranges from 0.0025 to 0.005 inch (0.06-0.13 millimeter). See also Fibers. 

For swine, low-fiber sunflower meal is inferior to soybean meal as the sole source of supplemental protein. This inferior performance is the result of lower palatability and nutrient content. In swine rations, with 20-30% of the protein from sunflower meal, rates of gain are similar to soybean meal, but larger quantities of meal are required. Lysine supplementation reduces this requirement. Studies have indicated that sunflower meal can effectively replace 50% of the soybean meal in growing-finishing swine rations. Higher rates of utilization are possible as animals increase in weight because of the decreased requirement for essential amino acids (38). 

Primary bonds include electrovalent, covalent, and metallic bonds. Electrovalent or het-eropolar bonds may be a factor in protein adhesives. Covalent or homopolar bonds play a part in some finishing treatments for fiber glass. The metallic bond is formed by welding, soldering, and brazing. The metals and alloys involved are essentially high temperature thermoplastic adhesives, but are outside the scope of this volume. 

A limited number of finishes are used on mineral and metallic fibers. Glass fibers are often surface treated with agents such as chromium salts or silanes to improve their ability to adhere to organic adhesive materials used in polymer-glass fiber composites. Various organic starches, proteins, and synthetic polymer sizings are applied to glass fabrics to protect the individual fibers and to lower abrasion between individual fibers. 

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