Comparative Analysis of Various Systems of Wool and Animal Fiber Diameter Analysis

Diameter of wool and other animal fibers is the most important physical characteristic in terms of its end use in textiles and it is also the most important economic criteria in marketing these fibers. Visual appraisal of fiber diameter and variability of diameter is not an accurate, consistent method, but it is still used throughout the world. Microprojection is the most accurate method of determining fiber diameter but it is slow, tedious and expensive. Variability of diameter is extremely important to textile manufactures due to the advent of advanced high speed processing equipment. The Sirolan Laserscan, AFIS System, and OFDA are computerized methods of fiber diameter measurement that stimulate microprojection and eliminate problems associated with microprojection. The objective of this proposal is to investigate the possiblity of adapting new electronic technology to replace technology developed in the 1920's and still currently used today. Samples will be collected that represent all of the types of wool produced in the United States. These samples will be measured by the microprojection method to provide average fiber diameter and variation in diameter. These samples will be used in correlation trails comparing new technologies with the standard microprojection method.