2A Wool

Question 1

Properties (wool)

Answer 1

• staple and crimped fibres
• naturally regulates temp.
• soft and fine: easy on the skin
• resilient/durable/strong: resists tearing
• odour retention
• naturally water-repellent (lanolin)
• highly hydrophilic: can contain up to 35% of moisture w/o feeling clammy or wet
• prone to shrinking (scales)

Question 2

Crimped fibres (wool)

Answer 2

• gives wool elasticity: comfortable garments
• insulating: creates air pockets to trap air easily
• when twisted into yarns: fluffy with a matte appearance

Question 3

How does wool naturally regulate temp.?

Answer 3

By absorbing/releasing moisture:
- cold and damp: absorbs moisture to generate heat
- warm: the body produces sweat to cool down

Question 4

Odour retention in wool

Answer 4

The fibre efficiently absorbs and evaporates sweat from the skin, making the fibre ANTI-MICROBIAL as it does not allow bacteria to multiply on the fabric/skin.

The surface of the fibres are also UNEVEN and NEGATIVELY-CHARGED - whereas odour-causing bacteria prefer exposed/flat/positively charged surfaces (synthetics)

Question 5

Lanolin (wool)

Answer 5

Natural grease from sheep:
- can be recovered for use in cosmetics/soap
- removed via scouring, before processed
- allows liquids to be wiped from the fabric before permanent staining is caused

Question 6

Scales (wool)

Answer 6

When heat/moisture/friction is present, the scales along the surface of the fabric interlock, causing shrinkage - meaning that wool cannot be machine-washed.

Question 7

Uses (wool)

Answer 7

• sweaters/beanies
• blankets
• carpet/upholstery
• saddles/horse blankets

Question 8

Symbols (wool)

Answer 8

Woolmark: contains 100% pure new wool

Woolblend: contains 30-49% pure new wool