Wool Fibre | Properties of Wool Fibre

Wool Fibre:

Wool is a protein fibre. It is extracted from sheep. There are various types of wool. Marino wool is the best wool fibre because its length is reasonable. Fineness is good here and in most cases it has natural crimp.

Wool fibre

Properties of Wool Fibre:

There are some key properties of wool which are pointed out in the below:

1. Length,
2. Fineness,
3. Elastic property,
4. Effect of heat,
5. Cross sectional shape,
6. Strength and extension,
7. Appearance,
8. Effect of chemical,
9. Effect of biological agents,
10. End use.

All the above properties have explained in the following:

1. Length:

Length of wool fibre varies from 2 inch to twelve inch depending on type of fibre and the interval length of time of collection.

2. Fineness:

Generally, longer the fibre coarser the fibre. Here, fineness varies from 3-15 dtex that is corser than cotton fibre.

3. Elastic property:

Wool is the best natural fibre in respect of good recovery from deformation.

4. Effect of heat:

Burns with burning hair smell with specific sound.

5. Cross sectional shape:

It is roughly circular or elliptical in cross section. Some fibres are solid and some fibres have small intermittent holes which are called Kemp fibres.

6. Strength and extension:

Wool is weak fibr. Its tenacity varies from 1 to 15 g/dtex but very high extension at break which is 35%.

7. Appearance:

It is characterized by crimp and scales. Due to crimp it is bulkier and wormer. Due to scle it has differential friction which is not present in cotton. Due to scales and extensibility, its feeling property is good. Color varies depending n the types of wool.

8. Effect of chemical:

In case of water, moisture regain of wool is 19% and when wet strength reduces about 20%.

In case of alkali, alkali degrades the wool fibre, changes color and reduces strength. Treatment of wool in 5% NaOH solution dissolves the fibre.

In case of acid, wool is safe in acid. In carbonizing wool 5% sulfuric acid solution is used to remove vegetable and cellulosic materials.

In case of solvent, wool is safe in solvent also. Hence dry cleaning is popular for woolen garments.

9. Effect of biological agents:

It’s attacked by moth, wind, rain and sunlight degrades the wool fibre.

10. End use:

Critical care is needed for the woolen garments because it may shrink during laundering or washing.