Thermal characteristics of wool fibers

Thermally induced weight loss in the 100–700C range and length changes in the 25–450C range were monitored in wool fibers obtained from three different breeds of sheep, viz. Lincoln, Chokla, and Merino. Merino wool showed higher thermal expansion above its glass transition temperature, a broad and weak melting peak, and poor thermal stability. These and other differences in the thermal characteristics between the three wools have been correlated with the structural and morphological differences between them.