This first module in Wool fibre science compares wool with other natural and synthetic fibres. It will provide a basic insight into the wool fibre and the animal responsible for producing this renowned natural fibre — the sheep.

This module focuses on the structure of wool fibres, emphasising the nature of the various components of the wool fibre, what the components are made of, what they do and how these components can be modified to improve or change various aspects of the performance of wool.

This module will explore the physical processes within the wool fibre, including: the moisture sorption properties of wool fibres, ‘glass transition’ and ‘melting’.

This module provides an overview of the chemical components within the wool fibre, their impact on fibre properties and its implications for wool processing.

Module 5 explores the concept of ‘setting’ in wool fibres and the mechanisms that underpin cohesive and permanent set. The discussion also extends to cover when setting occurs during manufacture and wear.

This module explores the concept of dimensional change (both relaxation and felting shrinkage) in wool products.  The causes and types of dimensional change are discussed, along with the methods available to prevent felting shrinkage. 

This final module in Wool fibre science explores the properties and benefits associated with wool that would persuade consumers to use it and relates these advantages to the fibre structure, physics and chemistry of wool covered in previous modules.