Wool (Sheep)
category
Wool is the protein fibre obtained from the fleece of sheep (Ovis aries), composed of α-keratin with a unique crimp structure, hydrophobic epicuticle, and complex internal morphology. Global production ~1.1 million tonnes (clean basis) annually from 1.2 billion sheep, with major producers being Australia (25%), China (18%), New Zealand (11%).
Role
The most commercially important animal fibre, prized for thermal insulation, elasticity, moisture management, flame resistance, and resilience in apparel (suits, knitwear, blankets), carpets, technical textiles, and composites, commanding premium pricing $3-15/kg for apparel grades.
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Subtopics
- Wool Fibre Structure and Morphology Wool exhibits complex hierarchical structure: epicuticle (lipid layer 3-5 nm thick providing hydroph…
- Wool Chemical Composition and Keratin Structure Wool keratin composition: 18 amino acids with cysteine (10-17% providing disulfide crosslinks), glut…
- Wool Physical and Mechanical Properties Properties: tenacity 1.0-1.7 g/den (dry), 0.8-1.6 g/den (wet, minimal loss), elongation at break 25-…
- Wool Breeds and Quality Grades Major wool types: Merino (Australia, 17-23 μm, finest, softest, 40% of world apparel wool—suits, kni…
- Wool Scouring and Early Processing Greasy wool processing: (1) sorting and grading by quality, (2) scouring at 55-65°C with detergent (…
- Wool Dyeing and Finishing Wool dyeing: primarily acid dyes (anionic dyes binding to amino groups via salt linkages and hydroge…
- Wool in Apparel and Fashion Apparel uses (60-65% of wool consumption): worsted suiting (fine Merino 17-21 μm, compact yarns, smo…
- Wool in Carpets and Technical Textiles Carpet applications (30% of wool use): coarser wool (30-40 μm) in tufted, woven, and needlepunch car…
- Wool Blends and Combinations Common blends: wool/polyester (45:55 to 70:30 in suiting—wrinkle resistance, dimensional stability, …
- Wool Sustainability and Future Developments Sustainability profile: renewable (annual shearing), biodegradable (4-5 months in soil, absorbing ni…