Electrokinetic Properties of Cellulose Fibers: Iii. Note on the Low Frequency Dispersion of Electrical Resistance

Sulphite cellulose, rayon cellulose, and silk fibers in the presence of 10 −4 N potassium chloride show a 20 to 25% decrease in electrical resistance between 0 and 100 c.p.s. An additional but smaller decrease occurs between 100 and 15,000 c.p.s. The systems also show a marked capacitive reactance. Reversal of the sign of the ζ-potential in sulphite fibers destroys the effect. Non-swelling fibers such as asbestos, glass, and acetate rayon, slightly swelling nylon, and moderately swelling wool show no comparable behavior. It is evident that the phenomenon is related to the swelling properties of the systems, but it cannot be concluded whether it is associated with the surface or the interior of the swollen fibers.