Wool

Wool, common name applied to the soft, curly fibres obtained chiefly from the fleece of domesticated sheep, and used extensively in textile manufacturing. The fleece of sheep raised for wool is generally shorn once yearly, in the spring or early summer. In regions where the climate is warm throughout the year, shearing may occur twice annually. The fleece is cut close to the skin, usually with mechanical shears, and removed in one piece.

The value of wool on the market depends primarily on fineness and length of fibre. Strength, elasticity, amount of crimp, and uniformity are also considered. Two different systems are followed in wool processing, the woolen system and the worsted system. In the woolen system, the fibres are carded and then spun.

In the worsted system, the fibres proceed to a combing process, which separates the long from the short fibres. Before the wool can be used for commercial purposes it must be scoured or cleaned. Scouring& cleaning may be done using warm water, detergent, alkali & carbonization.

Wool is used in clothing, shirting, suiting, woolen sweaters, blankets, upholsteries, felt, horse rug, carpets, insulation.,