Mass Spectrometry Biomarker Quantification in Processed Cashmere Yarns
LC-MS/MS proteomic quantification isolates species-specific tryptic peptides to measure cashmere content in processed yarns within two percent accuracy.
Dehairing
Fibre Purification
Mechanical separation processes extract fine down from the coarse outer coat of specialty animal fibres like cashmere or camel hair. Systematic dehairing ensures that only the softest undercoat reaches the spinning mill for luxury yarn production. Heavy guard hairs reduce comfort.
Mechanical Separation
Specialized machinery utilizes centrifugal force and airflow to sort fibres based on their diameter and weight. During dehairing, the heavy and rigid guard hairs fall away while the light down stays suspended for collection. Multiple passes through the equipment improve the purity of the softest fibre.
Quality Grading
Industrial standards for hair content determine the softness and prickle factor of the resulting knitwear. Excessive residual hair after dehairing leads to a rough texture that irritates the skin. Luxury brands often demand a hair content of less than one percent to maintain high product quality.
Processing Yield
Sorting efficiency directly impacts the final cost of the raw material due to the weight lost during the cleaning cycle. A successful dehairing run removes the unwanted material without breaking the delicate down fibres. Maintaining long staple length while achieving high purity is the primary goal of the processor.
Modern facilities utilize multiple passes to reach the highest quality grades.