TEXTILES

FIBER SOURCE AND PROPERTIES

(PROTEIN FIBERS)
 Protein fibres
Sources
These fibres are predominantly, wool, silk, and
specialty hair and fur fibres.
• These fibres are obtained from the hair or fur
of animals. They contain the protein keratin.
• Silk is the secretion of the silk worm . It
contains the protein is fibroin.
• Silk and wool differ in some properties
because they have different physical and
molecular structures.
 Common Characteristics
of protein fibres
• Resilient
• Hygroscopic
• Low tenacity when wet
• Sensitive to alkalis and chlorine bleach
• Potential for damage by insects
• Harmed by dry heat
• Flame retardant ( burns slowly, self
extinguishes).
 Wool
• Historically wool was
used since the Stone
Age. The fibres are
obtained from aprox.
200 breeds of sheep.
The merino sheep
produces the finest and
most valuable wool.
Wool producers are
Australia, new Zealand,
Eastern Europe, Chin .
 Production of wool
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yafkK0uk
65U
• How It's Made Wool
• ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPrGGv7pHXE
 Production of Wool
• Shearing: The fleece is removed with shears.
• Scouring: removes impurities and grease and
sweat. (lanolin is a by product).
• Sorting/Grading: according to length, colour,
fineness, quality.
• Carbonizing: fibres are immersed in sulphuric
acid to dry out impurities such as leaves and
seeds.
 Production of Wool (Cont’d)
• Carding: different fibres are blended and
made into slivers
• Combing: to remove short fibres(noils) to
produce worsted yarns.
• Spinning: producing long threads by twisting
the fibres
• Weaving: making threads into fabric
 Types of Wool
• Sheared wool: removed from live sheep
• Pulled wool: from sheep slaughtered for
meat.
• Lamb’s wool: from animals less than 7mths
• Recycled wool: fibres taken from old
garments, felt scraps and reused.
• Virgin wool : wool that hass never been
processed.
 Physical Properties
• Length: 1”-5”or 1”-15”
• Overlapping scale
structure: relates to
felting, shrinkage, skin
irritation,
• Natural crimp: gives
cohesiveness, elasticity,
loft
• Low lustre
Mechanical Properties Chemical Properties

• Low strength,decreases • Absorbent; hygroscopic

when wet • Weakened by alkalis
• Excellent resilience • Poor conductor of heat
• Lightweight • Damaged by chlorine
• Shrinks progressively bleach
(can be treated) • Flame resistant
• Excellent elongation
and elastic recovery
Wool Symbols
 Care of Wool
• Dry clean
• Use luke warm water and mild agitation
• Avoid chlorine bleach
• Dry flat
• Use a press cloth and steam iron
• Protect from attack by insects
 Wool Fabrics
Wool is used for adult apparel, blankets, rugs,
carpets , wall hangings

Wool Fabrics: flannel, tweed,mohair, velour,

felt. Jersey, wool blends