Material Density
Protein fibre evaluation relies on knowing the physical mass per unit volume of the animal hair being processed. Wool laboratories use the keratine density of the raw wool, which remains constant across different breeds, to calculate the solid volume of the sample from its weight. This calculation allows technicians to estimate the percentage of air pockets within the wool structure.
Purity Testing
Density gradient columns measure the buoyancy of dry fibres in a mixture of organic liquids of different densities. If the measured keratine density falls below the standard value, it suggests that the wool fibres are highly porous or suffer from internal damage. This test helps mills select the highest quality wool for premium suitings.
Moisture Interaction
Water absorption alters the apparent density of the fibre because water molecules bond with the protein chains. During wet processing, the change in keratine density affects how the wool reacts to hot water. Monitoring these changes helps dye houses avoid fabric shrinkage.
Fabric Processing
Finishing mills use this density value to calculate the correct packing density of yarn on dyeing packages. If the yarn is wound too tightly, the dye liquor cannot penetrate the dense keratine structure evenly, resulting in light and dark patches along the yarn length. Properly calibrated winding machinery ensures uniform dye distribution throughout the yarn package, which is essential for producing high-quality fabrics that meet the rigorous standards of premium fashion brands.
