Wool Fiber: History, Types, Characteristics, Properties, Benefits & Uses (overview 2021)

What is wool fiber?

Wool is a textile fiber that is obtained from nature. Mainly wool fiber collects from sheep and other animals such as goat, mohair, cashmere, Etc. In nature, animals use their down and hair to make mats for warmth. They also chew it to help them move over rough surfaces. Today, the synthetic variety is created by man. A man’s best choice for yarn is cashmere, which is obtained from Kashmir goats.  A small percentage of lipids and a large quantity of protein contained 

in wool fiber that’s also known as protein fiber. There is a sustainable textile fiber, and it has its own physical and chemical properties. The wool fiber of protein has amino-acids joined with a peptide linkage. This amino-acid contained carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur. The 75% of amorphous in the polymer of wool.

History of wool fiber

• Firstly Iran was select the wolly sheep maybe around 6000 BC. After a thousand years, man can be introduced to woven wool garments. The wool trade became the economic engine of few countries and mostly in Italy in the 13th century.
• In 1275 industrially produced raw wool in England, and it has become  the main income source of export and then 10% of English wool production accounted for in English textile industries.
• Australia’s colonial economy increasing by the production of wool and Australian wool trade eventually overtook that of the Germans by 1845.
• The new technology of washable wool invented in the 1970s and these reasons A special type of washable wool can be produced.A new wool suit was developed by wool fibre in Japan which can washed in shower and dried after it can wear without ironing.
• In 2009 united nation published the international Year of Natural fibre in wool.

What are countries produced?

The animals that are used to manufacture wool include seals, rams, goats, Merino sheep, seals, ducks, co-eds, and even bats. The seals are the largest producers of wool. They are from Australia, New Zealand, and Australia. The Merino sheep are from Italy, Canada, and Australia. The co-eds and ducks are from the United States, Iceland, India, and China.

Who’s come in a variety of weights? Most wools are 100-percent wool, but some come from other sources. These include the Merino wool from New Zealand and the Iranian lamb shorn by the Uyghurs. All wool is great for clothing, but the best tools are the ones produced from animals that live primarily on the land.

Type of wool fiber

There are two types of wool fiber:

• One type is the polar fleece. It is the thickest of the two and has the ability to trap air and is the most popular wool fibre used today. 
• The second type is the soft wool which is much thinner and is not as warm and is actually derived from the Merino sheep.

Characteristics of wool fiber 

• Wool is a protein fibre which is come from animals
• Mostly wool fibre used for winter weather.
• It is less strong than cotton or linen and especially when wet.
• The length is of wool fibre one to fourteen inches long.
• This fibre can damage by chlorine bleach.
• It can be washed and dry-cleaned.
• Heavy garment made by wool such as a jumper.
• It is an excellent insulator
• Absorbed moisture inside the wool fibre.
• A wool fibre can accept dyes easily.
• It is free from dirt and static electricity.
• Moths and carpet beetles can eat wool

Physical properties

• Effect of friction: Feelings of wool fiber or fabric are very soft, smooth, and texture. 
• Effect of heat: In higher temperature wool fiber goes to  burns or destroy, but there is no effect in lower temperature
• Effect of moisture: hygroscopic characteristics has wool fiber or fabric.50% vapor absorbs the weight of the fabric, and it can carry 20%.
• Heat conductivity: In poor conductor of heat is wool fiber or fabric. For this reason in the type of fabric mostly used in the winter season.
• Resiliency: Wool is highly elastic, and then it can come to its original form. Wrinkled or created after hanged fiber or fabric.
• Strength: Wool is shorter than silk, but it is stronger than silk.25% of strength losses in wet wool.
• Shrink-ability: Wool is resistant to shrinkage. Mainly moisture causes shrinkage 

Chemical properties

• The action of acids: Dilute acids cannot affect more in wool fibre or fabric but wool fibre dissolved in hot or concentrated acids.
• The action of alkalis: Higher heated of sodium carbonate can be destroyed the fibre and sodium hydroxide is highly effected in wool fibre. But there is no effect of  borax and ammonia in wool fibre.

Characteristic of wool fabric and product

• Wool fabric can absorb moisture vapor and it does not create static electricity. In this reason, it is more comfortable than other fabrics.
• Natural wrinkle resistance is the main character in the type of garments.
• Since wool is a natural fiber, it can absorb suitable moisture vapor. So it is extremely breathable
• Wool fabric has a natural elasticity that can return to
• its original form. So it is suitable for exercising and other work.
• This fabric is flame retardant, and it does not melt easily.
• Wool a completely renewable fiber source because every year sheep produce a new fleece.

What are the benefits of wool fiber? 

Wool is an excellent insulator. It is thermal, which means that it keeps warmth close to the body and allows cool air to move freely around you. This helps keep you warm in the winter and cooler in the summer. In warm climates, it acts as a barrier against the wind, keeping the temperature warm and keeping out the cold.

Wool is a breathable material, so it makes you feel better because you do not sweat as much in hot weather. Sweat is not good for you. When you perspire, you release toxins that irritate your skin and your body.

Uses of wool 

• Most people have never heard of wool fiber, but it is an important component of many clothing items. Gloves, jumpers, scarves, socks, slippers, dishcloths, etc. all have at least some wool in them, whether they are washed or not.
• Wool is great because it is so friendly. It is one of nature’s best resources. Wool fibers can be recycled multiple times before losing any of their properties. Because wool is such a good renewable resource, it is used in many ways. It is woven into pillows, stuffing, bedding, shampoos, carpets, furniture covers, hats, and much more.
• Wool is also very durable. It can last for years. Many industrial products made out of wool are known for being both sturdy and long-lasting. They are great for items that will be around for years like winter coats and jumpers. Wool is also often used in sports apparel because it keeps the athletes’ body heat in.

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