Who are the top producers of Wool?
- Australia and N.Z
- China
- Former USSR
What does ‘lambswool’ refer to?
- fibres finer and shorter than adult
- tapered at one end
- first shearing of lamb
What does ‘virgin’ wool refer to?
-all new wool, not lambswool
What does ‘shoddy’ refer to?
- reclaimed wool mostly recovered from garments never sold
- quite uncommon
What does ‘all wool’ refer to?
-mixture of wool fibre that may be a mix of ‘virgin’ and ‘shoddy’
What is wool scientifically composed of?
- almost entirely of Keratin (made from 18 amino acids)
- formula for wool keratin is C72H112N18O12S*
- the structure of the helical polymer allows fibres to stretch and recover well
What does the lack of crystallinity in wool mean?
-25-30% crystallinity and low hydrogen bonds lead the fibres to be relatively weak
What is the general length of wool?
50-120mm for fine merino
120-150mm for medium crossbred
150mm+ for course Lincoln
What is the fineness of a wool?
Fine=15-23 ,u
Medium=24-30 ,u
Course= over 30 ,u
What is the tenacity of wool?
Weak at between 7-15 cN
What is wool’s elongation?
High, around 25-35%
How is wool’s elastic recovery?
Very good, 99% at 2% extension
How is wool’s resilience?
Very good
How is wool’s absorbency?
- hydroscopic (absorbs)
- holds up to 30% water vapour without feeling wet
- surface is hydrophobic therefore water landing on the surface will bead and run off to an extent
How much will wool cost?
- The finer the fibre the higher the cost
- Apparel quality yarns range from £7-£22/kg
What are the unique selling points of wool?
- warm, soft, elastic fibre
- good comfort and handle properties
- can be felted, permanently pleated and absorbs moisture vapour while also repelling water
