The Relation Between External Shape and Internal Structure of Wool Fibers

Abstract

Relations between the twisted bilateral structure of the cortex of the wool fiber and its ex ternal shape are pointed out. Both the crimped form and the elliptical cross-sectional shape follow the twisted internal structure. Changes in crimp shape are interpreted as a consequence of the unequal expansion of the ortho- and the paracortex. The geometrical relations of the crimp and ortho- and paracortex are traced back to events occurring during keratinization of the fiber.