Association Between Raw Wool Characteristics and Processing to Top

Abstract

Batches in a combing plant were monitored to examine the relative influence of a number of greasy wool characteristics on the early stages of worsted processing. Characteristics measured for each batch included those normally available from core testing (mean fiber diameter, yield, and vegetable matter content), together with staple length and its variability, staple strength and the position of staple weakness, clean color, resistance to bulk compression of clean wool, and variability of fiber diameter. Combing noilage, the mean and distribution of fiber length, and the mean fiber diameter of the resultant tops were the processing factors considered. High levels of association were found between selected subsets of the characteristics of the greasy wool and the processing factors. There is some discussion of the appropriateness of the methods of regression analysis and the refevance of the work to the commercial situation.