Micro-Analysis of Textile Fibres
1936
Osborne, G Gordon
The recent work on the actual structure of kemp has proven the following: First, that there is a definite scale formation on the surface of the ftbre completely encasing it. In all respects this is similar to wool. In themselves, however, the scales are smootlaer in surface and less jagged in edge; they are less prominent, in their projection from the fibre, both in length and angle; nor do they overlap to the extent common in wool. Second, in cross-section the fibre is strikingly different. Scale and outer casing are the same; the interior of the fibre, however, is just the reverse of normal wool. In kemp the cortical layer is extremely small, whereas in wool it forms the major portion of the fibre. In both, this layer appears as a hontogeneovs mass, though in reality it is formed by myriads of tightly-packed and closely-cemented spindle- cells. In some wools a fine medulla forms a core through the centre of the cortex, Third, it is this medulla that comprises the major part of, and is the distinguishing aspect of a kemp fabre. It is cellular in composition, the cells being spaced without break throughout the fibre. They are irregular in size and outline and are arranged in similar order to the cells in a honey-comb. This medulla in true kemp is the prod-net of a special group of cells in the root (is annular in growth) and therefore can scarcely be considered an abnormality. The murch greater reflection from kemp (due to the air filled ineditlla) is the cause of the difference observed after dyeing. In reality, however, it has been shown by removing the air that kemp and wool are almost eqacally dyed; penetration and affinity being very similar.
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