Abstract

The immunized cattle hair from a hair-saving unhairing process was observed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), and the elements in the cortex were analyzed by Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), while the original hair was used as control. The differences of resistance to acid, alkali, oxidant and enzyme between immunized hair and original hair were also compared. The results showed that the thickness of the immunized hair squama decreased by approximately 30.01%, and the surface morphology was obviously damaged compared with the original hair. Calcium and magnesium were found in the immunized hair, while the content of sulfur decreased slightly; the antioxidant property of the immunized hair was improved greatly, but the acid resistance, alkali resistance and enzyme resistance were reduced significantly. In general, the composition, structure and properties of the immunized hair showed great changes after hair-saving unhairing process, these changes form the basis for the utilization of the immunized hair.