“Much Scope For Wool Research Scientists”

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31119, 23 July 1966, Page 21

“Much Scope For Wool Research Scientists”

There was a great deal yet to be known about wool and, whatever its commercial future, there would s'll be much for scientists to investigate, said Mr N. F. Roberts, the director of the wool research organisation at Lincoln, speaking to the Canterbury branch of mathematics and physics section of the Royal Society of New Zealand, on Thursday evening. In his address, entitled “The Programme of the Wool Research Organisation,” Mr Roberts said that half of the programme’s effort was being directed towards basic research. The other half was put to investigating the commercial feasibility of new ideas. One of these modification biosynthesis groups was examining methods of im-

proving the removal of wool from sheep skins. Fourteen per cent of the country’s clip was derived in this way, said Mr Roberts. Describing the fundamentals of textile physics, Mr Roberts explained that the traditional method of weaving was the most flexible method of converting yarn into cloth. Weaving had the advantages of excellent tear strength and abrasion resistance. Also the porous structure of woven wool allowed the evaporation of moisture. The air within the yam gave thermal insulation and warmth in still air conditions, and the warmth of the material was in proportion to its thickness. Mr Roberts said the essential physical properties of wool fibres were diameter, length, colour and crimp. The load-extension curve reading was important in 'assessing the relative worth 'of types of wool. Many ! millions of pounds had been | spent on the chemical physics 'of fibres to alter the exteni sion-load characteristics, j Measuring the diameter of (wool fibres was very important in wool buying. Although ' much experimenting had been ! done in this field, it was ; found that the most effective 'measurements were obtained by the air flow apparatus, which was the most widely used method, he said.