Diameter and Strength Distributions of Merino Wool in Early Stage Processing

In this paper, we investigate fiber diameter and strength distributions in early-stage processing. We have processed two lots of merino wool from scouring to top finishing. Fiber samples collected at each processing stage are measured for diameter on an optical fiber diameter analyzer, and fiber strength is measured on a modified WIRA single fiber strength tester. Fiber diameter conforms to a lognormal distribution, and this conformity persists throughout early-stage processing. Single fiber strength also conforms to a lognormal distribution in general, but this conformity may be distorted by fiber damage in processes such as carding. Furthermore, we have established a formula to estimate the coefficient of variation of single fiber strength once we know the coefficient of variation of the fiber diameter.