Research of the effects of wool fiber fineness and type on yarn properties

In this study, the effects of wool fiber type and fineness on yarn properties were investigated. Within the scope of the research, wool fibers with fineness levels of 17.5 µm, 18.5 µm, 20.5 µm, 24 µm, 27 µm, 30 µm, 36 µm, 34 µm mohair blend, 34 µm alpaca blend, and 38 µm Lincoln blend were used. Yarn production was carried out on an industrial scale. The produced yarns were tested for tensile strength and elongation at break, yarn hairiness, yarn unevenness, yarn-to-metal friction coefficient, yarn elasticity, pilling and surface appearance change, thermal conductivity, yarn linear density, and handle characteristics to determine their performance properties. The results revealed that as the fiber fineness decreased, both yarn strength and elongation at break increased. The handle of the yarn balls tended to become harsher as fiber fineness increased. Yarn hairiness increased with increasing fiber diameter, while yarn evenness deteriorated as the fibers became finer. Yarn elasticity decreased with increasing fiber diameter. Pilling and surface appearance changes were found to diminish with increasing fiber coarseness. Thermal resistance was influenced by both fiber fineness and the geographical region in which the sheep were raised. The yarn-to-metal friction coefficient was related to the surface characteristics of the fibers and varied depending on the scale structure on the fiber surface.