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Comparitive Investigation of Mechanical Indices of Sheep's Wool and Dog Hair Fibre
Abstract
The aim of this research is to analyse and compare mechanical indices - breaking force, tenacity, elongation at break, work of break, and toughness of dog's hair and sheep's wool fibre and to investigate the relationship between the geometrical and mechanical indices of these fibres. In textiles it is very important to choose the right component for the blend. Fibre length, diameter, linear density, tenacity, elongation at break and other strength properties are very important for these fibres parameters of yarn. It was estimated that sheep's and dog's fibres are visually very different and the diameter of these fibres varied in a big interval; however their length is more similar. Also it was established that geometrical indices of the fibres influence their mechanical indices of them i. e. fibres of minimal length have maximal values of these indices.
... [12] have shown that investigated dog hair fibres (Chow Chow, Pekingese and Yorkshire terrier) have more crimp and a smoother surface than sheep wool fibre (a primitive Lithuanian breed); also dog hair fibres have an irregular round shaped medulla inside the hair. Moreover it was established that the geometrical properties of the fibres influence their mechanical properties [12]. ...
... have shown that investigated dog hair fibres (Chow Chow, Pekingese and Yorkshire terrier) have more crimp and a smoother surface than sheep wool fibre (a primitive Lithuanian breed); also dog hair fibres have an irregular round shaped medulla inside the hair. Moreover it was established that the geometrical properties of the fibres influence their mechanical properties [12]. It is known that those of the fibres and the diameter of the medulla depend on many factors: nutrition, animal age, animal body region, the stage of hair growth, the time of cutting the hair, nutrition and the grazing place. ...
... from sheep wool fibre: scales are smaller, and the scale shape and distribution are more located on the surface. Moreover our earlier investigation [12] shows that some protein fibres have different types and size medullas inside them. In this study were obtained results where all fibres investigated have medulla inside the hairs, except Flemish Bubje dog hair and German Blackface sheep wool fibres. ...
Combed or picked out dog hair fibre, as one of the protein fibres, could be used in yarn manufacturing. Dog hair fibres have a specific scale structure, shape and distribution on the surface. Results obtained indicated that same dog hair fibre fragmented and interrupted the continuous whole and continuous kemp medulla inside. Thus it is necessary to find differences between sheep wool and dog hair fibres as well as between different dog breeds in other areas. In this research, the crystal and chemical structures, macro-chain confirmation and surface morphology of sheep wool and dog hair fibres from different breeds were investigated through identifying variations between thus protein fibres. FTIR analysis showed that the absorbing peaks of sheep’s wool around 2920 cm–1 and 2850 cm–1 are more intense and sharper than those in the IR spectrum of dog hair fibre. Other peaks of the dog hair spectra are more intensive and have a bigger areal. Values of the crystal-linity degree and indexes are different not only between sheep wool and dog hair fibres, but also among hairs of the different dog breeds too. The percentage amounts of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen in sheep wool and dog hair fibres are of the same order of magnitude. However, the content of elements in the cortex of sheep wool and dog hair fibres varies, especially that of sulphur and oxygen, which varies by about two times among the different protein fibres. © 2016, Institute of Biopolymers and Chemical Fibres. All rights reserved.
... In the case of mixed-coat sheep, down hairs are about 30 µm thick, and cover hairs are up to 70 µm thick (Ghali et al. 2014;Kaur and Singh 2007). On the other hand, according to studies conducted by various authors, the thickness of Merino sheep wool fibers is within the range of about 18-33 µm (Czaplicki 2012;Ragaišienė and Rusinavičiūtė 2012;Sharma and Pant 2013). It should also be noted that the diameter of hair fibers can depend on the age, sex, feeding, season, or health status of the animals (Montes et al. 2008;Wuliji et al. 2000), as well as coat color (Czyż et al. 2024;McGregor and Butler 2004). ...
... N. In turn, Jankowska et al. (2021) obtained the mean value of this parameter at 0.15 N for both sheep and alpaca fibers. Ragaišienė and Rusinavičiūtė (2012) showed that the average breaking force of alpaca fibers is 0.10 N. In the literature, studies on alpaca fibers demonstrate the value of fiber breaking force in the range of 0.063 N − 0.148 N (Czaplicki 2012), or 0.064-0.117 N (Czyż et al. 2024. ...
Although fibers of animal origin make up only a small part of the global textile fiber industry, sheep’s wool and also fibers of other species like alpaca, due to their unique properties, are an important and appreciated part of this industry. Our study involves the analysis of mechanical and physical properties of fibers derived from Huacaya alpacas and Olkuska sheep. Additionally, the wool of Olkuska sheep lambs was also analyzed. Fibers belonging to ten individuals of each species were evaluated for their diameter, breaking force, elongation at break, tenacity and heat transfer rate. It was found that the diameter of alpaca fibers was lower than that of sheep fibers, while the fibers of lambs were thinnest. A dependence was observed between the breaking force and fiber diameter. The stress parameter analogically to breaking elongation showed significant and highly significant differences for analyzed fibers. The highest values were shown for sheep, followed by alpaca and lamb. The heat transfer rate was the highest in alpacas. The study demonstrated that fibers from both alpacas and sheep are suitable for yarn material.
... In terms of physical properties, the fiber diameter varies between 30 and 60 µm [107], which depends on the dog´s breed. Dog wool is one of the strongest animal fibers, with high tenacity, good thermal elongation and insulation properties [108,109]. This fiber has been used recently in industrial applications and primarily in the textile industry [110]. ...
Although natural fibers (NFs), among which animal fibers (AFs) are found, have been used for millennia as reinforcement scheme of some construction materials (CMs), it is not until recent decades when scientific studies have been carried out to quantitively evaluate the impact of adding NFs into CMs, but with a special focus on vegetal fibers (VFs) over AFs. Nevertheless, there have been several studies addressing the use of AFs in different CMs and, therefore, the need of a systematic review study is evident. To contribute to this research gap, this paper presents a comprehensive review study addressing available scientific information of different types of AFs (e.g., sheep wool fibers (SWFs), chicken feathers fibers (CFFs), human hair fibers (HHFs), pig hair fibers (PHFs), silk fibers (SFs), and dog hair fibers (DHFs)) and also their use in four specific different CMs matrices (i.e., cementitious, gypsum, soil and polymer matrices). This comprehensive search was conducted in Web of Science and Science Direct, two of the largest and more prestigious scientific databases, using specific keywords and Boolean operators and the selection of the papers was based on the provision of enough quantitative information of the mixtures (e.g., specific characteristic and dosages of AFs and matrix used) as well as experimental findings. As a result of this study, organized, summarized and sufficient information is provided to support the positive use of AF as reinforcement scheme to improve some physical/thermal/mechanical/damage/durability properties of CMs by taking advantage of the abundance of these resources worldwide. Moreover, the use of AFs might also provide environmental benefits and cost reductions, which are global objectives within the construction sector. Finally, this review study found that there are still several research gaps in the use of particular AFs (e.g., DHFs) as well as combinations between the AFs and the CMs addressed in this study (e.g., effects of PHFs in polymer matrices) and these gaps are recommended as future studies.
... The physio-mechanical properties of hair fibers are extremely important and determine suitability in the textile industry and purpose, testify to the condition of the hair, and thus indirectly also to the condition and health of animals [43,46,47]. One of the most important factors affecting the strength of fibers is air humidity: at higher values the fiber is more stretchable, because water acts as a plasticizing agent, while dry fibers, thanks to hydrogen bonds, are resistant to elongation. ...
Simple Summary
Rabbit furs are a valuable material used in the fur industry. Many studies show beneficial effects of omega-3 acids supplementation on the skin and coat of animals. The aim of the study was to show the impact of environmental conditions and dietary supplementation with ethyl esters of linseed oil on the quality of the rabbit hair coat. The experiment was carried out in four stages: laboratory (summer and winter) and outdoor (summer and winter). The experimental rabbits were given an addition of ethyl linseed oil to their feed (during 2 months). To assess biological and physico-mechanical properties of the coat samples and to determine fatty acid profile and histological evaluation, the hair samples were collected three times: before the study, after two months of treatment, and after two months from the end of supplementation. The obtained results show that the environmental conditions have a major impact on the quality of the rabbit coat. The best results of hair heat protection were obtained from animals kept outdoors. Administration of linseed oil ethyl esters had a positive effect on the hair fatty acid profile.
Abstract
The aim of the study was to show the impact of environmental conditions and dietary supplementation with ethyl esters of linseed oil on the quality of the rabbit hair coat. The research was divided into 4 stages: laboratory (summer and winter) and outdoor (summer and winter). In each stage of the research, animals were divided into control and experimental groups. The animals were fed in accordance with the feeding standards of reproductive rabbits during the period of sexual dormancy. The rabbits from the experimental groups during the first two months were given an addition of ethyl linseed oil to the feed. In the experiment, linseed oil was cold-pressed directly in the laboratory. Three samples of hair were collected: before the study, after two months of treatment, and after two months from the end of supplementation. The hair coat biological properties, such as share of individual hair fractions (%), heat transfer index (HTI), hair diameter (μm), as well as physico-mechanical properties such as breaking force (N), breaking stress (kg/cm²) and elongation (%) were performed. Moreover, the histological structure of hair and histological hair evaluation were performed. The fatty acid profile was determined in the hair as well. The obtained results of the content of individual fatty acids were grouped into saturated fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids. In addition, omega-3 and omega-6 were distinguished from the group of unsaturated acids. The environmental conditions have a major impact on the quality of the rabbit coat. The best results of hair thickness and their heat protection were obtained from animals kept outdoors. The studies did not show an influence of the administered preparation on the quality of the rabbit coat. The hair became thinner, but more flexible and tear-resistant. Administration of linseed oil ethyl esters had significant, beneficial changes in the fatty acid profile in hair and hair sebum were observed. There was a significant increase in omega-3 acids, and a significant decrease in the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 acids.
... The raw materialwool fiberis resistant to fire (it does not burn when in contact with a living flame and is carbonized at a temperature of 315°C) and it is characterized by tensile strength, thermal insulation and the ability of being spun. These qualities of wool are due its specific structure (Ammayappan 2013, Holman andMalau-Aduli 2012;Kwak et al. 2007;Ragaišiene and Rusinavičiūte 2012). ...
The aim of the study was to determine the electrical characteristics of wool derived from Polish Olkuska breed lambs. The comparison involved the features of wool both in its natural state and washed. The lambs were bathed on the 1st and 14th days of life. Electrical features were determined on the basis of impedance (Ω) and resistance (Ω) for wool samples from 16 lambs from twin litters. The wool samples were collected from the lambs on the 14th and 35th days of life. The results of blood morphology (RBC, WBC, HGB, HCT, PLT, MCV, MCH, MCHC) were used in order to evaluate the health status of both lambs subjected to bathing and control ones. The level of resistance and impedance at low frequencies in both cases demonstrated the step changes from 0 Ω to over 100 MΩ. This shows that wool has the features of a dielectric (insulator) in the frequency range from 10 Hz to 64 kHz. At a frequency of > 64 kHz, there was a linear trend of decline in the value from about 30 kΩ to the lowest values of resistance and impedance at a frequency of 1 MHz, and these values amounted to > 7.3 kΩ and > 4 kΩ, respectively. The effect of lamb bathing on the electrical properties of wool was demonstrated. These treatments resulted in an increase in resistance of wool from 35-day-old lambs bathed on the 14th day of life compared to the control group (maximum differences at the level of 40-50%
... Greer, Banks-Lee, and Jones (2007) have analyzed the physical properties of various breeds of dogs like collies, Shetland sheepdog, chow, and Newfoundland. Ragaisiene and Rusinaviciute (2012) studied the mechanical indices of three dog breeds and reported that chiengora fibers have higher tenacity. Greer (2003) in her another study has stated that chiengora fibers have circular cross section with fur-like appearance and possess less cohesion because of its smoother surface. ...
This paper excogitates the potential of an unconventional animal fiber in textile applications. The chiengora fiber taken from dog hair has been chosen for this current study to analyze their chemical, physical, morphological, and thermal properties to explore their usage in textiles. Hairs from five different breeds of dogs namely Labrador, Golden retriever, German shepherd, Pomeranian, and Lhasa apso have been characterized and tested in this study. The research revealed that the chemical, morphological, and thermal properties of the hairs of five breeds are similar to each other. However, marked difference is observed in the physical properties of the fiber such as denier and diameter. It is also found that chiengora fibers have more tenacity than other animal fibers and are very coarser than wool fibers. The X-ray diffraction results reveal that chiengora fibers are having higher crystallinity compared to other animal fibers. Only hairs of Lhasa apso and Pomeranian breed have spinnability characteristics using spinning machines due to their finer denier and higher slenderness ratio and may be spun into yarn to create textile products.
... The tensile properties of a fiber bundle are strongly influenced by the tensile properties of the constituent fibers that form the bundle. Therefore, it is necessary to establish the fibers' resistant properties because resistance is a very important requirement for the yarn (Ragaišienė and Rusinavičiūt 2012). The behavior of wool is different from one fiber to another because each wool fiber has its own structure: diameter, crystalline microfibrils (degree of crystallinity), amino acids, which directly influences its behavior. ...
Tensile mechanical properties differ from one wool fiber to another due to several factors. To better understand the reasons for these differences, this work studied the physical, chemical, thermal and mechanical characteristics of five breeds of Tunisian wool. We used a total of 200 samples, taken from Tunisian sheep of different breeds, sexes and age. Results showed that the wool with the highest degree of crystallinity, the coarsest diameter, and the lowest amount of 1/2 Cystine has the best mechanical properties and vice versa. We also found, a significant influence (P < 0.05%) of breed and sex on the mechanical behavior of wool.
The most important nutrients affecting wool production include sulfur amino acids, such as methionine, and minerals, such as zinc, and their deficiency may cause wool production decrease. The aim of this study was to evaluate an effect of zinc and methionine chelate addition on the qualitative characteristics of Merino ewes wool and zinc content in wool fibers and on their surface. Histological evaluation of fibers was also performed. The study included 22 Polish Merino ewes divided into two groups: control and experimental (0.4 g chelates daily per head). The experiment lasted for 4 months (3.5 months of pregnancy and 2 weeks of early lactation). The length, thickness and breaking force of wool fibers were higher in the experimental group compared to the control group. Higher content of zinc in wool of sheep from the experimental group was also demonstrated. The histological structure of fibers from both groups did not differ, as the content of zinc on their surface. It can be concluded on the basis of the obtained results that the addition of chelates favorably influenced the thickness compensation of wool fibers and amount of wool obtained from sheep during pregnancy and early lactation, as well as mechanical features of wool.
It is known that surface characteristics of protein fiber are important in the functional properties of wool fabrics. Fiber diameter and length determine processing performance and end use of wool. This paper studied the structure and geometrical indices (diameter, length, and linear density) of German blackface sheep and different breeds of dog’s (Bobteil, Flemish Bubje, and Shih-Tzu) hair fiber.
This study was aimed to analyze results of protein fiber structure and geometrical indices, obtained by different methods and to investigate the relationship between the kind of protein fiber and the structure of them. Three methods for measuring mean fiber diameter (MFD) were compared: optical microscope “Ascania,” Sirolan Laserscan equipment and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results of structure, mentioned by “Diapan” microscope and SEM showed that sheep’s wool and dog’s hair fibers have different types of scale shape, cross-section, even some of them have medulla inside hair. It was found that MFD, mentioned in three different methods, was varied in small interval. So, each of investigated methods can be used for determining diameter of these protein fiber. Differences between the scale shapes, scale frequency, and scale edge size of sheep’s wool and dog’s hair fibers were explained in details. There were discrepancies between results of theoretical and experimental linear density of all mentioned fibers in this research. These discrepancies not exceed 15%. Results of this study show that there are the substantial differences between surface and cross-section of sheep’s wool and dog’s hair fiber. Moreover, it was observed that quality of measured fibers can also be optimized to produce blends, which could be used for woolen yarns.
The frictional, compressional and thermal properties of handmade felts prepared from wool, rabbit hair, camel hair and their blends have been studied. Felts made from rabbit hair and its blends are smoother, warmer and softer as compared to those made from camel hair and sheep wool. Felts produced from sheep wool possess highest coefficient of friction and resiliency than those produced from camel hair. Frictional properties of felts are governed by fibre diameter, medullation content and compressibility of felt, whereas thermal behaviour is influenced by fibre diameter only.
This theoretical work deals with the mechanics of parallel fibre bundles, on the basis of the fact that each fibre in the bundle possesses different tensile behaviour. As a consequence of this, the tensile behaviour of a blended fibre bundle is found to be a different than that obtained from Hamburger's theory [3]. It is also observed that the average force per fibre in the bundle, the breaking force utilisation coefficient, and the breaking strain utilisation coefficient depend only on the coefficient of variation of the fibre breaking strain.
This paper reports on the structure and most significant parameters of wool from alpacas bred in Poland. The external and internal structures of the fibre were evaluated based on microscopic observations of the fibre surface and cross sections. It was determined that both the surfaces and cross sections of the alpaca fibres show differences when compared to wool fibres. The diameter, which is the most important fibre parameter, was measured using three methods (including the Laser-Scan method).Investigations were made on 15 samples taken from various alpacas from a herd of 120 animals. Depending on the investigation method used, certain differences in the fibre diameter were observed. An analysis showed that the results of measurements of alpaca wool diameter best correlate when using the scanning electron microscopy and Laser-Scan methods. Large variations in the fibre thickness of the various samples prove the non-uniformity of wool from the whole alpaca herd, indicating that alpacas are bred in an uncontrolled (random) way. small crimps and a yearly fibre growth of 9 -12 cm. Suri alpaca wool is more delicate than that of huacaya wool, has more luster and a yearly fibre growth of 10 -12 cm. Alpacas are kept mainly for their wool, which has particularly high quality and end use properties. Alpaca wool is light, cool, and, at the same time, protects well against cold. Alpaca fibre is a natural fine and soft product that has more than 17 natural black white and brown colours. Those who wear Aplaca garments choose them because of their thermal qualities and resistant features of the fibre, as well as some other attributes such as their imper-meability and antiinflamability.
In this study, we have derived and evaluated a simple statistical relationship between the coefficient of variation (CV) of fiber breaking load and that of minimum fiber diameter. This relationship indicates the CV of fiber breaking load is about twice the CV of fiber minimum diameter. We have made single fiber measurements on a recently developed single fiber analyzer (SIFAN). We test wool fibers for both diameter along the fiber length and fiber breaking load, and use the coefficient of variation of minimum fiber diameters ( CVD min) to predict the CV of single fiber breaking load (CVF). The results support the statistically derived relationship between the CV of fiber breaking load and that of minimum fiber diameter. In addition, we modify an equation we derived in a previous study to better relate the fiber diameter variation to fiber strength variation for small fiber samples.
The effect of nutrient status on the growth and properties of wool and mohair fibers is reviewed: the aim is to compare effects on sheep and Angora goats and emphasize differences between the species. Wool growth is markedly influenced by nutrition; the requirement for energy-yielding nutrients is low and the major nutrients limiting wool growth are essential AA, sulfur-containing AA being especially important. An adequate supply of Cu, Zn, folic acid, and pyridoxine is required to maintain wool growth. Both length growth (L) and diameter (D) of wool fibers respond to changes in nutrient supply such that the ratio of L:D remains approximately constant. Mohair production is influenced by nutrient supply. However, the importance of specific nutrients has not been established, apart from one study showing that mohair growth responded to parenteral supplementation with methionine. In contrast to sheep, some studies indicate that length growth of mohair fibers may not be very responsive to changes in nutrient status. The responsiveness of mohair growth (both length and diameter) to nutrient supply at different times of the year has not been reported. The energy requirement for fiber growth may be greater in goats than in sheep, but more studies are needed.
The Optical Fibre Diameter Analyser (OFDA) instrument is based on automatic image analysis technology and was recently introduced to provide a rapid, accurate measurement of average fiber diameter (AFD) and diameter distribution (SD) of textile fibers. Experiments were conducted with wool and mohair in various physical forms (top, core, and staple) to compare results produced by the OFDA with two other methods of determining fiber diameter parameters: the standard projection microscope (PM) method as described by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the Peyer Texlab FDA 200 System (FDA200). The results show that the OFDA fiber diameter measurements were very closely related to PM measurements, and the OFDA partially overcame one shortcoming of the FDA200, overestimation of SD. The results suggest that the OFDA is a promising system for rapid and accurate evaluation of fiber diameter and its distribution.