To use wool successfully in technical applications requires a high-value application that can exploit its natural properties, a reduction in costs, or modifying the fibre to achieve a particular target performance. Wool is increasingly heing used in technical applications in which its unique properties and the opportunities for specific enhancements can be profitably utilised. This paper examines wool's attributes for technical textiles and introduces a wide range of new and future applications, with particular reference to developments emerging from wool-based projects at Canesis Network Ltd.

synopsisThe thermal degradation of untreated wool and wool treated with a number of flame retardants has been studied in a variety of atmospheres using thermogravimetric analysis and pyrolysis-gas chromatography. The major products of pyrolysis have been identified and their amounts determined. Gas evolution curves have been determined for the main light gases evolved.

Although wool is a natural renewable fibre with a relatively low environmental impact for its production, a number of functional finishes are commonly applied to improve wool’s performance in knitted or woven garments or carpet. These finishes include those to improve fabric shrink-, flame- and insect -resistance, photo-stability and a number of treatments to improve wool carpet performance. The paper describes currently used treatments, their environmental problems and considers new, more environmentally -friendly alternatives under development.

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