Abstract

The effect of some subsequent treatments on the opening up of the fibre structure of enzyme unhaired pelt has been examined. A caustic soda bath, liming, use of sulphuric acid or formic acid or acetic acid for pickling, and storage in the pickled state at ambient or raised temperature, have been investigated. Enzyme treatment caused splitting up of the fibre bundles but failed to open up the weave pattern, which subsequent alkaline treat ment brought about. Use of formic acid caused plumping of the fibre bundles (sometimes to a very considerable degree) so that pelt which was only enzymed approached the opening up of sulphuric acid pickled pelt which had also been limed. Storage in the pickled state did not replace liming in regard to opening up of the weave, and storage at 27° damaged the fibre structure, whether or not the pelt had been limed. Under the conditions of this investigation formic and acetic acid for pickling were not more dangerous than sulphuric acid.