O o d h e a d p u b L i s h I n g L i m I t e d

Key words: wool blend, blending, wool blend yarn spinning.
12.1
Introduction
Wool is blended with other fibres to utilise the respective advantages of the
fibres. These advantages may be either unattainable, deliver undesirable side
effects or be too costly if only one type of fibre is used. The advantages may
relate to comfort, appearance or style, durability, easy care and specialised
functionalities, such as heat and flame resistance, conductivity, chemical and
biological behaviours. From a commercial point of view, blends are formed
to reduce the total costs of production and to increase the sales prices of the
products by utilising the differences between available fibres. In this chapter,
we will focus on the technical benefits that can be achieved by blending
wool with other fibres and the technologies that are used to process wool
blends.
Wool is highly regarded for a wide range of properties. It absorbs water
vapour, yet has a water-repellent surface. Wool can absorb up to 30% moisture
to its own weight without feeling wet. The natural crimp and resilience of
wool fibres helps the maintenance of high loft and thermal insulation of
fabrics. The high absorption heat it releases when absorbing moisture makes
it an ideal material for cold and humid climate conditions. Although not a
very strong fibre, wool is highly extensible, flexible and resilient. These
properties give fabrics the special wool handle, drape and fashion style.
Wool is naturally flame resistant and does not melt or drip polymer when it
is burnt. Because of these desirable properties, wool has been considered for
blending with practically all traditional fibres and new fibres.
Other types of fibres, such as polyester and nylon, offer high strength and
abrasion resistance. A relatively small percentage of these fibres in a wool
blend may improve the processing performance of wool and the durability of
the final products. Many new fibres that have emerged in recent years offer
© 2009 Woodhead Publishing Limited

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High-performance wool blends
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high functionalities, such as flame retardance (for example, Nomex), softness
to handle (microfibres), high stretch (elastane fibres, such as Lycra
®
), wicking
(for example, Coolmax
®
) and electrical conductivity (conductive polymers
and metal fibres). The combination of functionality of these high-performance
fibres with the comfort of wool provides endless opportunities for product
development.