Abstract
A relatively simple method of estimating crystallinily changes in polymers such as nylon, silk and keratin is described. In addition, the action of various swelling agents such as water, phenol and formic acid has been examined. The more powerful swelling agents are able to dissociate the NH—OC hydrogen bonds in nylon, but to a less extent In silk and keratin. Water appears to have little, if any, effect of this kind on any of the polymers examined.