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Explore the diversity of wool: Do you know what makes different types of wool unique?
Wool is a textile fiber extracted from the fibers of sheep and other mammals (especially goats, rabbits and camels). This natural fiber has been widely used by humans for a long time due to its unique properties. The diversity of wool is not only reflected in its color and quality, but also in the fact that the wool produced by different breeds of sheep has its own unique uses and qualities. Here, we'll delve into an overview of wool's properties, its processing, and its history, and see how each type of wool affects its value in the market.
Characteristics of wool
Wool's properties include its natural crimp, which allows wool fibers to bond to each other when squeezed or entangled, creating a stronger fabric. Not only does wool fiber have good thermal insulation properties, it also absorbs moisture, allowing wool to perform its insulating function while remaining relatively dry.
Wool is produced mainly from two types of cells - primary hair follicles and secondary hair follicles. Among the three fibers produced by primary hair follicles, real wool fiber is the most important, with excellent elasticity and comfort. In contrast, coarser kemp fibers are relatively short and inelastic. In addition, wool comes in different colors, from classic cream white to natural black, brown, etc., which makes wool have a unique market space in the fashion industry.
Wool can absorb up to one-third of its weight in moisture, making it a high-performance, eco-friendly option that provides continued comfort in a variety of climates.
Wool processing process
Shearing
Shearing is the first step in obtaining wool. Skilled shearers shear the sheep regularly to ensure the quality of the wool and the health of the sheep. After shearing, the wool is separated into different categories, which is crucial to ensuring the market value of the wool.
Cleaning and sorting
Freshly sheared wool contains a lot of oil and dirt, so it needs to go through a cleaning process. This process, called "baptism," is designed to remove excess residue and prepare the wool for further processing. Factories using chemical detergents can purify wool and bring it to a standard that can be used in textiles.
The history of wool
Since humans began to domesticate sheep more than 7,000 years ago, the use of wool has become an important part of the development of civilization. The earliest wool clothing appeared around 6000 BC. With the improvement of technology, products made of wool have become more and more diverse. During the Middle Ages, the wool trade became an important driver of the European economy, and even throughout British history we see wool being closely linked to royal policy.
The economic importance of wool to Britain is self-evident. Since the 14th century, the British wool market has been an important pillar of its national finances.
Market trends and prospects
Currently, demand in the global wool market is facing challenges, especially with the rise of synthetic fibers, which has significantly reduced wool production. For example, organic wool products from Australia and New Zealand are gradually becoming more popular. Although these products are relatively rare and expensive, they also meet the needs of environmentally friendly consumers to a certain extent.
In today's market, the diversity of wool has given it considerable recognition in many areas, from daily clothing to luxury uses, and the future of wool is still widely optimistic.
The diversity of wool lies not only in its types, but also in its multifaceted functions that influence our human lives. As times change, consumer demand for wool and environmental protection is also growing, which makes us think: How will wool continue to occupy a place in future fiber choices?
