Abstract

The development of a theoretical model which will allow us to devise a quantitative physical chemical theory of the absorption of dyes and acids by proteins still presents many difficulties. Some of the theoretical difficulties are discussed in relation to work on wool and more recently, hide powder. The primary cause of the difficulties appears to reside in the in stability of proteins on to which dyes have been absorbed. Evidence for this can be produced from published data on hide powder and this, together with direct evidence obtained in current research, is discussed.