Abstract: This invention relates to a process for treating natural polyamidic fibres of asymmetric structure, particularly wool, with liquid ammonia, in which a nucleophilic substance is added to said liquid ammonia. The treatment time is thus reduced and the dye affinity is improved.An acetate, such as ammonium acetate is preferably used and excellent results are obtained on wool.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating textile materials particularly in the form of slivers or rovings of cellulosic materials and the like with a liquid while not under tension. The preferred apparatus consists of a long, narrow, and deep treatment enclosure into which the slivers are fed by a roller feed mechanism which also incorporates a spray device for impregnating the slivers passing therethrough with a treating liquid. The feed device lays the slivers into the enclosure in folds laid along the length of the enclosure as the feed device moves back and forth along the enclosure's length. The treatment enclosure preferably curves into a horizontal section having a drain at the bottom for drawing off the excess treating liquid.