Linda L. Muller

A Microscopical Survey of Flame-Resistant Cotton Fabrics Part I: Treatments Based on THPOH-NH 3

Three cotton printcloth fabrics treated for flame resistance with THPOH-NHx, oxidized and nonoxidixed, were studied by light microscopy and by transmission (TEM) and scanning (SEM) electron microscopy. Chars of the treated fabrics were also examined. Staining with Acid Blue I and examination by light microscopy provided a semicluantitative assessment of penetration of nonoxidized THPOH-NHa into yarns and fibers, but was less effective with the oxidized sample. SEM observations indicated polymer build-up on fabric surfaces. Deposits of polymer between fibers were usually heavier around the periphery of the yarn. Laundering removed surface deposits but oxidized samples laundered 50 times were still flame resistant, TEM of ultrathin cross sections showed that no major structural change had occurred in the treated fibers. Both SEM and TEM of fiher char sections indicated that the fibers had become shells on burning. Residue patterns left by treated fiber sections after microincineration suggested that the laulymer had completely penetrated the fibers.

Determination of Lacinilene C 7-Methyl Ether by High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Abstract An HPLC method is presented for the quantization of lacinilene C 7-methyl ether in cotton dusts. A standard of lacinilene C 7-methyl ether was isolated from extracts of gin trash and a new extraction procedure was developed that effected complete removal of lacinilene C 7-methyl ether from cotton dust. Total dust contains an average of 48.64 μg/g of lacinilene C 7-methyl ether, and the below 20 μm fraction contains 35.9 μg/g of lacinilene C 7-methyl ether.

Aqueous solvents for extracting glanded cottonseed protein without gland rupture

The presence of pigment glands has thwarted attempts to extract edible cottonseed protein aqueously from glanded seeds or gland-rich meals, probably because of the widely held belief that glands rupture on contact with aqueous media. We found several aqueous salt solutions in which glands did not rupture. Glands remained intact in saturated (2m) sodium sulfate, but not in saturated 2m or 4m solutions of sulfates, chlorides, and nitrates of other Group IA elements as well as sodium chloride and sodium nitrate. Glands also remained intact in saturated solutions of sulfates of aluminum, ammonium, cadmium, copper, magnesium, nickel, and zinc, and chlorides of calcium, iron, and magnesium. Some of these solutions were diluted to <50% saturation before glands started rupturing. Cottonseed protein in the liquid cyclone underflow fraction (gland-rich fraction) was soluble in sodium sulfate and magnesium sulfate, but not in calcium chloride or sodium phosphate. Its solubility in sodium sulfate was investigated further with the following results: Alkalinity of sodium sulfate solution had no effect on solubility; ratio of solid to solvent had no effect in the range of 1:3.5–1:60 (wt:vol); 80% saturated sodium sulfate was optimal for solubility without gland rupture; the period of contact of meal and solvent had no effect on protein solubility in the range of a few minutes to 2 hr. These results indicate that the extraction of cottonseed protein with aqueous solvents in the presence of pigment glands appears technically feasible.

Cellular ultrastructure of jojoba seed

Jojoba seed, examined with an electron microscope, appeared ultrastructurally similar to other oilseeds, even though liquid wax, rather than triglyceride, comprises the reserve lipid of the seed. This observation indicates that liquid wax and triglyceride are stored in the same manner-in spherosomes-within seeds.

Increased oilseed protein solubility after peroxide exposure

Oilseed proteins of peanut (arachin), pumpkin (cucurbitin) and soy (11-S glycinin) were exposed to 30% H2 O2. Solubilities of arachin, cucurbitin, and glycinin increased 8.5-fold, 40-fold, and ca. 200-fold, respectively, in aqueous (arachin and cucurbitin) or acidic (glycinin) media. Implications for utilization of oilseed pro-teins following exposureto H2 O2 are discussed.

Morphological studies of cardroom cotton dust

Respirable cardroom dust samples, some biologically active, were examined with several microscopic techniques. The most informative techniques were LM coupled to specific stains, TEM, and SEM augmented with EDXA. All samples contained a preponderance of unidentifiable particles and plant fragments with a wide diversity of shapes and sizes. Microbes (bacteria and fungi) were ubiquitous in all lower-power microscopic fields.

The Effect of Pretreatment with Trimethylbenzylammonium Hydroxide on the Physical Properties of Formaldehyde-Crosslinked Fabrics

FormatdehydecrossHnking processes, as means to impart wrinkle-recovery and smooth drying properties to cotton fabrics, have been the subject of considerable study [2 5,7,10J. In this note we report the effect on the physical polerties of the fabric of pretrcatment with 30% Triton IS,2 followed by the three well-kncnvn forms of formaldehyde treatments, viz, Form Vf [7], Form D [3], and Form W’ [9]. The Triton B was obtained. from Mites Lahoratories.1 Since the concentration of the aqueous Triton B is critical [2], it was standardized by titration with 0.1 N H(Fl using methyl purple as an indicator. In standardizing swelling-treatment time, purified cotton fiher was treated with 30% Triton I3 (1:50) for periods varying from 15 to 120 min at 25°C, the swollen cotton was washed free of ’rriton B with distilled water, and the extraneous water was removed I>y suction under vacuum. This samlle was then treated w ith formaldehyde by the Form W process [2] for 1 hr at 25°C. The cross-linked sample was thoroughly washed with distilled water, rinsed with 1 % :B’H40H, again washed thoroughly in distilled water to neutral pH value, solvent-exchanged in dry methanol, followed by diethy ether, and air-dried. Control samples, wetted for comparable times, were prepared in a similar manner. The treated

Identification and elimination of the causative agent of byssinosis

Separation and identification of possible causative agents of byssinosis have been high priority research activities at the Southern Regional Research Center since 1975. The Center serves as a focal point for several cooperating agencies also active in the search for this elusive agent. Several examples of recent research on proximate, elemental and microscopical analyses, as well as bioassays of cotton textile dust, washed cotton and dust obtained from selected cottonseed oil mills illustrate the multidisciplinary attack required by this area of research.

Electron-Microscopical Observations of the Solubilities of Flame-Resistant Cotton/Polyester Blends

A new procedure for microscopical determination of the effects of certain flame-retardant finishes on polyester filaments is based on the solubility of polyester in 50% NaOH. Observations were made of solubilities of ultrathin cross sections of polyester filament from several blends of cotton/Kodel polyester and 100% Kodel polyester before and after treatment with tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride, urea, trimethylolmethylglycoluril, and poly(vinyl bromide) flame retardant. Protection from dissolution increased in proportion to the amount of poly(vinyl bromide) used in the treatment.