Mass Spectrometry SRM Calibration Protocols for Cashmere Wool Blends
Selected reaction monitoring mass spectrometry quantifies cashmere wool blends down to one percent using species-specific tryptic keratin peptides.
Iso 20418-2 Mass Spectrometry
Standard Method
International laboratory standards for quantitative fiber analysis establish the protocol for determining the ratio of cashmere to wool in blended fabrics using chemical extraction and mass spectrometry. By using iso 20418-2 mass spectrometry, testing houses can accurately isolate and measure specific marker peptides from both sheep and goat fibers. This standardized protocol ensures that different laboratories produce consistent results for identical textile samples.
Peptide Separation
Proteolytic digestion of the extracted keratin proteins yields a mixture of peptides that are separated according to their polarity and molecular weight. During the run, iso 20418-2 mass spectrometry identifies the specific retention times of the marker peptides. This process allows the system to filter out background chemical noise from dyes and finishings.
Blend Estimation
Peak areas generated by the spectrometer are compared against calibration curves to calculate the relative abundance of each fiber type in the blend. Through iso 20418-2 mass spectrometry, testing agencies can detect minor additions of cheap wool in premium cashmere yarn. This level of sensitivity is impossible to achieve with traditional light microscopy.
Quality Inspection
Retail brands and supply chain auditors depend on these certified test reports to verify the authenticity of high-cost knitwear. Implementing iso 20418-2 mass spectrometry helps mills prove their product claims with verifiable mass spectra. When the test report is clean, the yarn is released for bulk garment manufacturing, protecting the brand’s reputation for quality in the consumer market.
It provides a legal shield against product mislabeling claims that can result in expensive recalls and damage to retail partnerships.