A Method for Determining the Distribution of Cationic Shrink-resist Resins on Wool*

A method for determining the distribution of cationic shrink-resist resins on wool has been developed. The method is based on a staining technique, using an anionic fluorescent brightening agent (FBA) under specific conditions in which the FBA stains the cationic resin in preference to the wool. When the stained samples are observed under ultraviolet radiation by means of the optical microscope, the areas on the wool fibres where resin is located fluoresce, whereas areas free from resin appear dark. The technique is simple and rapid, and enables the regularity of deposition of cationic resins on wool to be followed when the various parameters which play a role in the pretreatment of the fibre and the application of resins are changed. Regularity of resin deposition is important in the achievement of high levels of shrink-resistance in treated fabrics.     

Development Aspects of an Integrated Pyroelectric Array Incorporating a Thin PZT Film and Radiation Collectors

Work is being undertaken to produce an uncooled pyroelectric infra-red detector array which incorporates within its structure, an array of radiation collectors made by the bulk micro-machining of silicon. Development aspects of the processing route are presented here.     

Subliquidus Immiscibility in Binary Alkali Borates

The phase boundaries of subliquidus immiscibility in the lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, and cesium borate systems were determined. Two-phase structures were developed in thermal gradients and examined by direct-transmission electron microscopy. No opalescence was observed. Microstructures were of the order of a few hundred angstroms. The extent of immiscibility in each system was determined by the approximate intersection of the immiscible phase boundary with the glass transition region.     

The Sirofloc Process at Redmires Water-Treatment Works

The first use of the Sirofloc process in an operational water-treatment works, outside Australia, was commissioned in 1988 by Yorkshire Water at Redmires, Sheffield. The plant represents a major advancement in the development of a new type of treatment process for drinking water.
This paper describes the new treatment process and the method and reasons adopted in developing a full-scale plant. The first four months of operation are reviewed, with particular attention to the water quality produced and the performance of the plant. Further areas for development in improving the performance of the process are identified.     

EFFECT OF SULFUR SUPPLY ON ALLIINASE, THE FLAVOR GENERATING ENZYME IN ONIONS

The characteristic flavor of onions occurs when the enzyme alliinase (EC 4.4 1.4) hydrolyzes S‐alk(en)yl‐L‐cystene sulfoxides (ACSOs) to form sulfur‐containing volatiles, pyruvate and ammonia. Two onion cultivars, Pukekohe Longkeeper and Grano, were grown to maturity at a high (4.0 meq S/L) and low (0.25 meq S/L) sulfur supply and assayed for alliinase specific activity and enzymatically produced pyruvate. Alliinase specific activity was greater (1.3–1.7 fold) at low sulfur supply in bulbs of both cultivars. Levels of enzymatically produced pyruvate were lower at low sulfur supply. Low sulfur supply has been previously shown to decrease levels of ACSOs and their biosynthetic intermediates but increase levels of proteins involved in sulfate uptake and mobilization. Alliinase may have an endogenous role in remobilizing ACSOs during conditions of sulfur deprivation.     

Mothproofing Agents in UK Wool Textile Effluents

Mothproofing is an essential part of the manufacture of wool and wool-blend carpets and until now has usually been combined with another textile wet process, such as dyeing, to save cost.
Environmental quality standards for mothproofing agents in surface waters have recently been introduced. Compliance with these standards will require a reduction of more than 90% in the mothproofing agent content of industrial effluents in parts of the UK where mothproofing activity is most concentrated. In order to achieve such a reduction, it is proprosed that the carpet industry should install new methods of applying mothproofing agents, aimed at source reduction, rather than by adopting end-of-pipe measures.
Two new low-pollution mothproofing technologies are described in detail, and a summary is given of other possibilities.     

The microbiology and storage stability of vacuum packed lamb

Lamb joints (shoulders, loins and legs) stored in vacuum packs at 0–1°C remained unspoiled for 6 weeks, but since the aerobic storage life at 5°C (retail shelf life) of lamb after holding in vacuum packs at 0–1°C for 6 weeks was only 2 days, vacuum storage should be limited to a maximum of 4 weeks in practice. Brochothrix thermosphacta , Moraxella spp, and Moraxella-like organisms were predominant on aerobically spoiled lamb and the preservative effect of vacuum packing resulted from the inhibitory effects of the high carbon dioxide (>20%) and low oxygen concentrations (<1%) which developed in the packs. Brochothrix thermosphacta was not completely inhibited, however, and with lactic acid bacteria was the possible cause of cheesy/sour odours which terminated vacuum packed storage life.