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Science and Technology of Wool Fibers

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Handbook of Biomass

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Abstract

Sheep wool is a valuable natural and renewable resource that is commonly utilized by the textile sector for producing clothing, carpets, socks, rugs, and also sometimes as fertilizers. Wool has gained use as a substitute material in various industrial fields, elevating the significance of fiber. The wool does not irritate the skin, eyes, or respiratory system, making it suitable for usage in a variety of industries without the need for protective apparel. The wool has a significant hygroscopicity, making it an effective acoustic insulating medium. The production of sheep wool fibers has increased in response to the growing demand for alternative materials in the construction industry. Wool fiber is used in the building industry for its potential as a thermal and acoustic insulator. Wool fiber is a flexible natural material that can be used as an adsorbent for cleaning indoor air and removing pollutants from industrial wastewater. Some notable efforts in wool science and technology include the utilization of substandard and waste wool for technical purposes and the implementation of nanotechnology to wool for creating innovative, high-value wool products. Moreover, sheep wool has many advantages for sustainability, including a decrease in environmental pollution and the expense of manufacturing new insulating materials.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biosciences, MES College, Marampally, Aluva, Kerala, India

    Aswathy Vijay

  2. Department of Biochemistry, Kongunadu Arts & Science College, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India

    R. T. Narendhirakannan

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  1. Aswathy Vijay
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  2. R. T. Narendhirakannan
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Correspondence to R. T. Narendhirakannan .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Chemical Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, India

    Sabu Thomas

  2. Mechanical and Industrial Engineering:, Texas A&M University – Kingsville, Kingsville, TX, USA

    Mahesh Hosur

  3. Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia-MG, Brazil

    Daniel Pasquini

  4. Department of Chemistry, Newman College, Thodupuzha, Kerala, India

    Cintil Jose Chirayil

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Vijay, A., Narendhirakannan, R.T. (2024). Science and Technology of Wool Fibers. In: Thomas, S., Hosur, M., Pasquini, D., Jose Chirayil, C. (eds) Handbook of Biomass. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-6727-8_51

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