WOOL RESEARCH

Evening Star, Issue 21720, 15 May 1934, Page 13

WOOL RESEARCH

DISCOVERIES AT LEEDS UNSHRINKABILITY Practical results of the scientific research work undertaken by the Wool industries Research Association at Torridon, Leeds, were enumerated in a report presented at the annual meeting of the association. Many of the discoveries are proving invaluable both to the breeder of sheep and to tho textile manufacturer, some successes in regard to tho latter being of a highly technical nature. Typical examples are summarised below. For over a century tho use of tar for sheep branding has been a source of trouble and annoyance, but the association Ims invented durable fluids completely removable in subsequent processing, and leaving no traces in the finished fabric. This has been tested under dominion range conditions and complete success has been obtained. These fluids are now available in bulk in all wool growing countries. At the present time' bulk trials are being prosecuted under dominion conditions with a new typo of juto and latex wool pack. Sample packs, which have been sent to Australia, New Zealand, and Africa, are treated_ specially to prevent tho shedding of juto hairs into the wool.- , In regard to nutrition for sheep, lack of soundness and variation in character due to drought, etc., have been studied under farm conditions, and tho association has found it possible to give sheep a simple ’supplementary food ration during times of fodder scarcity, sufficient to maintain their bodily functions, leaving the natural fodder available for wool production. ASSESSMENT METHODS. Adequate methods of assessment and sampling fleeces to indicate their subsequent manufacturing performance have been devised for use under farm conditions. In co-operation with dominion workers, identification of the different species of burrs in wool has been accomplished, and steps taken to counter their occurrence as far as economically possible. It is stated that the blending of wool in relation to the spinning power of tho top is in progress with samples of wool from seven different districts of Australia and from South Africa.,

An important discovery relates to the setting of crepo yarn. To prevent the curl and snarl specially made cops have been designed, and this means that British firms are able to compete better with low-priced foreign cloths because quicker delivery can be made of goods woven from these crepe yarns, it being now unnecessary to wait for the yarn to mature.

After wide research into the process of milling and felting it was found that by steaming dry wool under pressure, or treating it with carefully regulated quantities of certain chemicals, the rate of milling can be considerably increased without damaging the wool. Some of the results in regard to milling research have revolutionised the scouring and milling methods in the textile factories. The control of humidity in the mills is one of great interest and importance, and the association has developed a system of humidity control which is capable of function in any size of room or factory. An interesting fact in this connection is that the association’s advice has been sought even by_ the confectionery and tobacco industries. REMOVING THE “TICKLE.”

Still another far-reaching discovery is in regard to unslirinkabihty. In addition to adding this desirable quality to the wool fibre, diligent research has succeeded in removing tho prickly feeling in wool. The treatment now discovered adds lustre to the wool. The method is to ho kept secret for the members of the Research Association. “Its success,” states the report, “is the outcome of advances in technique in an entirely different industry. From the_ weaver’s point of view, actual experience of all types of people who have worn such garments has already afforded ample confirmation of the desirable qualities of the clothing made therefrom.” Chief chemists of London stores and members of the hosiery trade are commenting very highly on this discovery. Touching upon the fact that the specific resistance of wool is of a high order and is highly suitable for certain forms of electrical insulation, the report discloses that experiments are now being directed towards the production of suitable forms of wool materials, for utilisation on large electrical machines, which are being tested out on a practical basis.

A process discovered for treating cloth against mildew is now actually in operation in many mills and is meeting with considerable success. Definite suggestions are also being advanced for moth-proofing, practical application of the knowledge gained resulting in the effective clearance of moths and larvae from yarn stores in the Midlands and from numerous other places where yarn or fabric was stored.

The executive council emphasises the fact that the association should concentrate on investigations having a practifial_ value to the grower and industrialist, and that Torndon should seek to become a centre from which work on wool utilisation, both as regards research and educational publicity for the Empire os a whole, should emanate.