The Problem of Prickling on Fabrics of South American Camelids Fibers: Possible Approaches for Mechanical Solutions

Abstract

In this minireview it is to analyze the physical attributes that determine the comfort of fabrics made of South American Camelid fibers (Lama and Alpaca), discuss the effect on their textile value and evaluate an possible approache on their possible mechanical solutions. Taking the distribution of all fibers do not respond to a normal distribution, but the different fiber types identified by the type of medulla, they do respond to a normal distribution. While emphasis has always been on mean fiber diameter, the fiber frequency exceeding 30 microns (objectionable fibres) has a key role in quality. This is essential for light fabrics, where the effect of prickle plays a critical part in consumer´s choice. Dehairing, as a mechanical way, provides an immediate solution, though excessive fiber breakage should be addressed. It is concluded that the textile fiber quality of South American Camelids is promissory if the presence of objectionable fibers is solved, resulting in a tolerable frequency for consumers (<3%). This implies a true paradigm shift with regard to the classic textile processing of Alpaca and Lama fibers (from worsted to woolen system). This would enhance the fiber softness to touch, together with other important features that would render the fiber price more competitive. Mini-review Article

Effect of Fibre Diameter, Prickle Factor and Coarse Fibre Bias on Yarn Surface Hairiness in South American Camelids (SAC) Fibre

“…For the relationship of MFD over PcF, the function fit was somewhat better in the Huacaya Alpaca (R 2 : 0.91) and the Suri Alpaca (R 2 :0.92) than in the Q'cara Llama (R 2 : 0.89) and the Chaqu Llama (R 2 : 0.84). A similar behaviour appears in wool [3] (Naylor, 1996) and in a work made of SAC fibres without making the distinction between biotypes within alpacas and within llamas [19].…”

Adaptación de inteligencia artificial por el modelo de regresión múltiple estocástica para determinar la calidad de la fibra de alpaca (Lama pacos)

“…Bonilla et al (2022) indican, asimismo, que al aumentar la incidencia de medulación, la sensación de picor y la heterogeneidad en los tejidos son más intensos. La fibra medular y el tipo de medulación son responsables de la disminución de la sensación de confort (Frank et al, 2014(Frank et al, , 2017.…”

“…El grado de finura se expresa en el factor de confort (Bustinza, 2001), el cual se relaciona a la suavidad del tejido, y se define como el porcentaje de diámetro de fibra debajo de los 30 ìm (Naylor y Hansford 1999; Frank et al, 2014; Tadesse et al, 2021) ya que la presencia de fibras gruesas le confiere una apariencia heterogénea a los tejidos o hilos (Wang et al, 2005) y aumenta el efecto de picazón en la piel (Professor, 2021). También se ha encontrado que una alta incidencia de medulación y tipo de medulación en las fibras causan el mismo efecto (Frank et al, 2014(Frank et al, , 2017. Las fibras meduladas que tienen efecto sobre el factor de confort son consideradas como objetables, y según IWTO (1998) son las que tienen una opacidad superior al 94% y un diámetro superior a 25 µm.…”

Challenge in increasing the use of animal-origin textile fibers to reduce microplastic pollution on earth

“…By enhancing these attributes, animal textiles can match or even surpass the aesthetic and functional qualities of synthetic counterparts. 7 Moreover, contributing to the certification of sustainability and well-being is crucial for legitimizing the environmental and ethical credentials of animal textile fibers. This involves adhering to rigorous standards and practices that certify the sustainable and humane production of these fibers, thereby instilling confidence in consumers and industry partners.…”