The Variability of Set in Keratin Fibers

The amount of "permanent" set in a number of keratin fibers was measured, the fibers being strained 40% for 1 hr. in distilled water at 100° C. and then released slack for 1 hr. in the water. Variation in the amount of set retained by various keratin fibers was noted. The amount of set appears to correlate strongly with the ability of the particular fiber to supercontract and tends to be dependent on the fiber diameter.