~I A R C I I 1963 205useful extent. Cross-linking does iiot reduce stretchability greatly, but breaking and tearing strength of the fabric are lowered. Both strength loss and improvement in the properties noted are governed by the amoynt of add-on. I n practical use, the degree of improvement would have to be balanced against the loss in strength that is tolerable. AbstractCotton and synthetic fibers were studied analytically and cxperinientally to deterniitie tlie basic cause of luster in fibrous niaterials. The aiialytic technique used provided a mathematical description of tlie interaction of light with a nearly ideal fiber, namely, glass. An instrument was constructed to measure the angle and intensity of light scattered from single fibers.The ideal glass fiber gave esperimental data which correlated with those from the analysis. By the use of polarized light it was possible to iiieasure the coherency of the scattering process, which was fouiid to lie a measure of tlie luster of the fibers.Under suitable esperiniental conditions, it was shown that surface reflection froin a fibcr is the source of the luster quality and that a small degree of surface rougliness is very effective in decreasing the Iirster. It is iiot knon-n exactly what inagiiitude of surface discontinuity is most responsible for loss of luster; however, it is quite possible that ways may be found to decrease these discontinuities atid so increase the luster of cotton to any degree desired.A number of fibers were investigated in this way.

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