Natural Fabrics:

However, by the end of WWII, synthetic fibers rose in popularity. Acrylic and polyester were developed to substitute wool. But by the mid-60s, well began A revival because of the desire for naturalandtraditionalfibers.Todaywoolismixed with synthetic fibers to accommodate modern lifestyles.

Technical Properties

Wool is made of keratin, just like hair and nails. It normally is a cream color but can be brown, black, or silver. And it has a low luster shrink resistance and strength. When wool is still on a sheepitiscoatedinlanolin,whichisremovedand collected during washing. It is used in cosmetics, skin ointment, and waterproof wax. It has a naturalcrimp,thattrapsairmakingitinsulating.It alsohelpswoolretainitsshape.

History

Wool has a history that can be tracked back tens of thousands of years, in China and Egypt. Inspired by the animals that produced it, it was felted by wetting, massaging, and pressing the wool into a matted blanket. It could vary in thickness and be molded into shape. It was the first animal fiber to be woven. In Rome, the carding process was invented to brush, tease, and comb the fibers so they could be aligned to spin and weave into yarn. The Romans also bred sheep to provide better-quality wool. During the medieval period, wool was England’s primary andmostvaluableexport.SpanishMarinosheep wool became a desirable breed, because of its finer quality fleece. They sent these sheep to Australia because the dry climate Was perfect for wool cultivation. By the industrial revolution, Australia became a world leader in the productionofwool.

The outside of the fiber is hydrophobic, and the inside is hygroscopic meaning that it can trap water without feeling wet. Wool has a natural flame resistance and doesn't ignite until 90 degrees Celsius. When it has been treated with lanolin, it is water-resistant, antibacterial, and air permeable. This helps to wick away odor. It can be damaged by heavy-duty laundry detergents, chlorine, dry heat, insects, and sunlight.

Functions

It is used in wool suits, sweaters, and other cold-weather garments. As well as home furnishings, carpeting, upholstery fabrics, blankets, and draperies