di Wool
Wool is an animal fibre. It is got from the hair or fleece of sheep. The hair of a camel, Angora rabbit or Angora goat can also be used. Wool is commonly produces in temperate countries such as Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, etc.
Manufacturing process for Wool:
Wool fibres are processed into two main forms -
1. Worsted yarn: which is made from long fibres.
2. Woollen yarn: which is made from the shirt fibres.
The major steps for the manufacturing of both forms are:
1. Clipping: the fibres (fleece) from the sheep. This is cutting the hair. The fleece is then packed in bales and transported to the factories.
2. Sorting: the process of grading and separating fibres according to length:
3. Scouring: the process of washing the fibres in soapy alkaline water to remove dirt and grease.
4. Carbonising: the process of removing all vegetable matter from the fibres by treatment with acid heat and pressure.
5. Carding: this process separates the batted fibres.
6. Spinning: this is the process of twisting the fibres into worsted or woollen yarn.
7. Weaving: the process of making the wool fabrics from the yarn.
Uses of wool:
Wool can be used for underwears, sweaters, socks, suits, trousers, vests, baby wears, soft furnishing, etc. They are particularly suitable for cold weathers and temperate countries.
Typical fabrics - a wool fibre has a scaly appearance but many articles are being made through the usage of wool.
These include:
- woollens for example blankets, flannel, tweed, etc.
- worsted for example gaberdine, worsted suitings, etc.
