The Wool Handbook

Morphology, Structure, Properties, Processing, and Applications

1st Edition - October 18, 2023
Editors: Seiko Jose, Sabu Thomas, Gautam Basu
Language: English
Paperback ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 3 2 3 - 9 9 5 9 8 - 6
eBook ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 3 2 3 - 9 9 5 9 9 - 3

The Wool Handbook: Morphology, Structure, Property and Applications explores the fundamental aspects of wool fibers as well as traditional and novel applications of wool in areas… Read more

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The Wool Handbook: Morphology, Structure, Property and Applications explores the fundamental aspects of wool fibers as well as traditional and novel applications of wool in areas including polymer composites and technical textiles. Apart from textiles and garments, wool has long been used for various diversified applications due to its unique material properties. Wool is inherently fire resistant, antimicrobial, flexible and antibacterial, and as a natural material, it can be used to create environmentally sustainable products. This book explains basic and advanced topics related to wool fibers, from shearing to marketing, drawing on academic and industrial research from a range of subjects.

Providing statistics, processing methods, and testing and characterization techniques for wool fiber, this book will help readers to use wool fibers to find new applications and solutions.

Cover image
Title page
Table of Contents
Copyright
List of contributors
About the series
Chapter 1. Introduction to wool fiber technology: a brief introduction and its processing technology
Abstract
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Production of wool fiber
1.3 Properties of wool fibers
1.4 Harvesting of wool
1.5 Classification of wool fiber
1.6 Mechanical processing of wool fiber
1.7 Chemical processing of wool fiber
1.8 Certification
1.9 Present scenario and future perspectives
1.10 Conclusion
References
Chapter 2. Wool production steps and global trade with recent statistics
Abstract
2.1 Introduction to the global sheep breeding
2.2 Supply chain in wool industry
2.3 Harvesting of wool
2.4 Wool classing and yield
2.5 World wool production
2.6 Global wool trade
2.7 Current trends and challenges in the global wool industry
2.8 Conclusion
References
Chapter 3. Identification of Australian merino wool
Abstract
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Reasons for wool blending
3.3 Basis of fiber differentiation
3.4 Methods of fiber identification
3.5 Conclusion
Acknowledgments
References
Chapter 4. Preprocessing of wool fibers
Abstract
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Global wool fiber production
4.3 Wool and other animal fibers
4.4 Farm to factory
4.5 Shearing
4.6 Mulesing
4.7 Crutching
4.8 Bioclipping
4.9 Wool contaminants and impurities
4.10 Raw wool measurements and quality of wool fibers
4.11 Quality characteristics
4.12 Wool scouring
4.13 Emulsion scouring
4.14 Suint scouring
4.15 Solvent scouring
4.16 Freeze scouring (mechanical process)
4.17 Carbonizing of vegetable impurities
4.18 Spinning preparatory processes—carding, combing, and gilling
4.19 Drafting and gilling
4.20 Innovations in wool production
4.21 Conclusion
References
Chapter 5. Mechanical finishing of wool for improved property and functionality
Abstract
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Mechanical finishing processes of wool
5.3 Mechanical recycling of wool
5.4 Conclusions
References
Chapter 6. Wool dyeing
Abstract
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Dyestuffs
6.3 Dyeing auxiliaries
6.4 Theory of wool dyeing
6.5 The dyeing process
6.6 Dyeing kinetics
6.7 Thermodynamics of dyeing
6.8 Recent surface modification for enhanced dyeability of wool
6.9 Wool-dyeing machinery
6.10 Conclusion
References
Chapter 7. Functional finishing of wool
Abstract
7.1 Introduction
7.2 High-performance wool fabrics
7.3 Comfort-oriented finishes
7.4 Safety-oriented finishes
7.5 Multifunctional finishing of wool using nanoparticles
7.6 Appearance-oriented finishes
7.7 Other finishing process of wool fabrics
7.8 Conclusion
References
Chapter 8. Morphology and chemical structure of a wool fiber
Abstract
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Morphology of wool fiber
8.3 Chemical structure of wool fiber
References
Chapter 9. Quality evaluation of wool: methods of evaluation of quality of wool, parameters, and important standards
Abstract
9.1 Introduction
9.2 Quality evaluation of wool and wool products
9.3 Conditioning of samples before testing
9.4 Raw wool, fibers, top, and sliver
9.5 Yarn
9.6 Fabric
9.7 Properties common for all wool products
9.8 Summary
References
Chapter 10. Chemical and physical properties of wool
Abstract
10.1 Introduction
10.2 Properties of wool fibers
10.3 Conclusion
References
Chapter 11. Physical and chemical modification of wool
Abstract
11.1 Introduction
11.2 Chemical methods
11.3 Physical methods
11.4 Conclusion and future prospects
References
Chapter 12. Morphological studies using microscopic techniques: advanced microscopic studies in wool
Abstract
12.1 Introduction
12.2 Light microscopy
12.3 Ultrastructural imaging
12.4 Scanning electron microscopy
12.5 Transmission electron microscopy
12.6 Variants of electron microscopy
12.7 Micro-CT
12.8 Atomic force microscopy
12.9 Chemical imaging spectroscopy
Acknowledgments
References
Chapter 13. Spectroscopic studies on wool fibers
Abstract
13.1 Introduction
13.2 Structure and chemistry of wool fiber
13.3 Spectroscopy technique for characterization and identification
13.4 Conclusions and future trend
References
Chapter 14. Thermal properties of wool: thermal degradation studies and fire-retardant properties
Abstract
14.1 Introduction
14.2 Thermal properties of wool
14.3 Thermal degradation properties of wool
14.4 Fire-retardant properties of wool
14.5 Future perspectives
14.6 Conclusions
References
Chapter 15. Sustainable moth repellent finishing for wool
Abstract
15.1 Introduction
15.2 Common fabric pests
15.3 Mode of infestation by fabric pests
15.4 Methods for controlling fabric pests
15.5 Conclusion
15.6 Recommendations
References
Chapter 16. Microbial attack and prevention methods: microbial attack on wool fiber, causes, and remedies
Abstract
16.1 Introduction
16.2 Microorganisms
16.3 The antimicrobial application methods
16.4 Antimicrobial agents
16.5 Conclusions and future trends
References
Chapter 17. Antishrink finishing of woolens: shrink-resist treatment on woolens using various physical and chemical methods
Abstract
17.1 Introduction
17.2 Types of wool shrinkage
17.3 Parameters affecting the extent of wool felting shrinkage
17.4 Types of shrink-proofing processes
17.5 Physical methods
17.6 Enzymatic treatments
17.7 Future scenarios
17.8 Conclusion
References
Chapter 18. Sustainability, biodegradability and life cycle analysis of wool
Abstract
18.1 Introduction to sustainability and sustainable textiles
18.2 Wool industry and the environment
18.3 Biodegradability of wool Fiber
18.4 The use of wool as fertilizer
18.5 Sustainability of wool fiber
18.6 Life cycle assessment in wool processing
18.7 Concluding remarks
References
Chapter 19. The use of wool fiber in technical textiles and recent developments
Abstract
19.1 Introduction
19.2 Wool in technical textiles
19.3 Conclusion
Acknowledgment
References
Chapter 20. Wool in composites: wool fiber as a component in biocomposites
Abstract
20.1 Introduction
20.2 Characteristics of wool fiber and their influences on the composites
20.3 Wool–polymer biocomposites
20.4 Wool composites for construction
20.5 Conclusion
References
Chapter 21. Acoustic properties of wool: sound insulation properties of wool fiber
Abstract
21.1 Introduction
21.2 Principles of fibrous sound absorbers
21.3 Acoustic properties of wool
21.4 Conclusions and future trend
References
Chapter 22. Keratin extraction and its application: extraction of wool keratin and application in diversified fields
Abstract
22.1 Introduction
22.2 Extraction methods
22.3 Ionic liquids
22.4 Deep eutectic solvents
22.5 Ultrasonic and microwave assistance
22.6 Steam explosion and superheated water
22.7 Microbial and enzymatic methods
22.8 Keratin application
22.9 Cosmetics
22.10 Food industries
22.11 Biofertilizer
22.12 Sensors
22.13 Biomedical application
22.14 Conclusion
References
Chapter 23. Blending of wool with other fibers: mixing of wool with other natural/synthetic fibers for different applications
Abstract
23.1 Wool Fiber blends—introduction
23.2 Wool fiber and its blends in yarn applications
23.3 Wool and its blends in woven fabric applications
23.4 Wool and its blends in knitted fabric applications
23.5 Wool blends for nonwoven applications
23.6 Application of wool blends in composite materials
23.7 Other applications of wool fiber
23.8 Future trends in the application of wool fiber and its blends
23.9 Conclusion
References
Chapter 24. Recycling of wool: making wool more sustainable
Abstract
24.1 Introduction about recycled wool
24.2 History of wool recycling
24.3 Production process of recycled wool
24.4 Applications of recycled wool
24.5 Recycling standards followed for recycled woolen fibers and their scope
24.6 Recycled wool and sustainability
24.7 Future scope of utilizing recycled wool fibers
24.8 Conclusion
References
Chapter 25. By-products during processing of fiber and their use: generation of by-products during wool processing and their utilization
Abstract
25.1 By-product and waste-liberating processes
25.2 By-products from wool processing
25.3 Textile applications of wool wax
25.4 Nontextile application of wool grease
25.5 Chemically modified lanolin
25.6 Short fibers
25.7 Textile applications of recycled short fibers
25.8 NonTextile applications of recycled short fibers
25.9 Extraction of keratin from short fibers
25.10 Applications of the extracted keratin
25.11 Conclusion
References
Chapter 26. Prospects of wool and woolen products
Abstract
26.1 Introduction
26.2 Unique properties of wool
26.3 Fiber to product conversion
26.4 Sustainability and recycling aspect
26.5 Sustainable processing of wool
26.6 Wool products
26.7 Prospective areas of applications
26.8 Conclusion
References
Index

Seiko Jose

Seiko Jose PhD is a scientist, working at ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, Rajasthan, India. He has over 17 years’ experience in textiles including time spent in industry and academia. His industrial experience is focused on wet processing of cotton, silk, and linen processing units. For the last 8 eight years of his research career, he has worked with a range of natural fibres such as, wool, jute, pineapple leaf fibre, coir, flax, and ramie. He has contributed to 30 research papers and 9 book chapters. His major research areas are extraction and characterization of natural fibre, textile dyeing and finishing, eco-friendly textile processing, natural fibre composites, and natural dyes.

Affiliations and expertise

Scientist, Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, Rajasthan, India

Sabu Thomas

Prof. Sabu Thomas is the Director of the International and Interuniversity Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at Mahatma Gandhi University in Kerala, India. He also serves as the Chairman of Trivandrum Engineering Science and Technology Research Park (TrESPARK) in Kerala, India. Formerly, he was the Vice Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University. His ground-breaking research has covered the areas of polymer science and engineering, polymer nanocomposites, elastomers, polymer blends, interpenetrating polymer networks, polymer membranes, green composites and nanocomposites, nanomedicine, and green nanotechnology. Prof. Thomas has received several national and international awards in recognition for his work and recently received Honoris Causa (DSc) from the University of South Brittany, Lorient, France, in recognition for his contributions to polymer science and engineering. Prof. Thomas has published more than 1400 peer-reviewed research papers, reviews, and book chapters. He has also edited and written 210 books. His H-index stands at 139, accompanied by a citation count of 43,000.

Affiliations and expertise

International and Inter University Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, School of Energy Materials, and School of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, India

Gautam Basu

Dr Gautam Basu is the former Principal Scientist & Head of the Mechanical Processing Division, ICAR-National Institute of Natural Fibre Engineering and Technology, Kolkata, West Bengal, India. He completed his Masters degree in Textile Technology and his Ph. D. in Polymer Science & Technology from the University of Calcutta. He is a fellow of Institution of Engineers (India). He has published nearly 100 papers, including research, review, training manual, lecture notes, seminar proceedings, in addition to six books and thirteen book chapters. Four patents have been awarded to him and two others are under process. His 40 years of work experience includes 9 years in Industry and 31 years in research institutes. His major areas of work are, investigation of structure and property of natural fibres and their value addition, improvement in process performance of natural fibres through various pre-treatments, technical textiles including geotextiles, and development of machinery & testing instruments. He was a member of various recommending bodies (on natural fibres) formed by Government agencies. He was involved in 28 research projects including as Principal Investigator of the World Bank, and Govt. of India funded projects. He is having more than 950 Google citations with H index of 16.

Affiliations and expertise

Ex-Principal Scientist and Head, Mechanical Processing Division, ICAR-National Institute of Natural Fibre Engineering and Technology, Kolkata, India