On the milling and ultrasonic treatment of fibres for biological and analytical applications.

The possible physical and chemical changes that could occur in fibre samples subjected to milling and ultrasonication during their preparation for biological applications are discussed. Milling changes not only size distribution but also the shape and crystal structure of fibres; ultrasonication had no influence on crystal structure. Changes in size and particle concentration were seen in samples of amphibole asbestos and glass fibres and to a much greater extent in chrysotile fibres.