IRNASUS   26003
INSTITUTO DE INVESTIGACIONES EN RECURSOS NATURALES Y SUSTENTABILIDAD JOSE SANCHEZ LABRADOR S.J.
Unidad Ejecutora - UE
congresos y reuniones científicas
Título:
The Prickling Issue in Fabrics made of Camelid Fibers. Possible Mechanical or Genetic Solutions.
Autor/es:
FRANK, E.N.
Lugar:
Assis
Reunión:
Congreso; 7th European Symposium on South American Camelids and 3rd European Meeting on Fibre Animals; 2017
Institución organizadora:
Universidad de Camerino
Resumen:
This paper intends to analyze the physicalattributes that determine the comfort of fabrics made of South American Camelidfibers (Lama and Alpaca), the effect on their value and their possiblemechanical and/or genetic modifications. While emphasis has always been on meanfiber diameter -in order to determine fiber quality- fiber frequency exceeding30 microns 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. Yet theproblem lies in the slow selection response. Dehairing provides an immediatesolution, though excessive fiber breakage should be addressed. It is concludedthat the textile fiber quality of South American Camelids is promissory if thepresence of objectionable fibers is solved, resulting in a tolerable frequencyfor consumers (<3%). This process could be explored via genetic selection orapplying dehairing technology . This implies a true paradigm shift with regardto the classic textile processing of Alpaca and Lama fibers. This would enhancethe fiber softness to touch, together with other important features that wouldrender the fiber price more competitive