Wool fiber is the natural hair grown on sheep and is composed of protein substance called as keratin. Cuticle scales are tiny overlapping scales, which surround the wool fibre. The cell membrane complex surrounds each strand of internal cortex cells (fibrils). It is naturally fire resistant. Summary of Characteristics of Wool Fibers. Wool felt is a traditional material in the history of humankind. Quick Installation: Easily cut with a standard insulation knife for quick installation and easy sizing. When choosing a fabric for your home’s area rugs, consider wool — the most fire resistant natural material. It is naturally fire resistant. observe the flammability of wool compared with a range of synthetic fibres; consider the implications of flammable fibres in a range of everyday uses. The rock wool insulation gives strength and protection in case of fire. Wool textiles are also used widely in personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect firemen, military personnel and anyone else exposed to fire or explosives. Ability to felt. The arrangement of the cells causes the ‘crimp’ (wave) in the wool fibre and traps air (providing insulation), which produces wool fabrics that keep us warm during winter. Every year Australian sheep produce a new fleece, making wool a completely renewable fibre. Characteristic of wool. No burning droplets, promote flashover or release toxic gases during a fire. Stone Wool can be used to make buildings more resilient to fire. In addition, wool does not melt, drip or stick to the skin when it burns. Wool's fire safe qualities include: Naturally flame retardant; Difficult to ignite, due to a higher ignition temperature; ... Because of its natural fire safe characteristics, wool carpet is specified for installations with the most stringent flammability regulation, such as passenger aircraft. It elongates 25-40%. Since 1930, IWTO has represented the collected interests of the global wool trade. innovative treatments and manufacturing techniques. Sun–safe — wool is better at protecting skin against UV radiation than most synthetics and cotton. Merino wool is one of the most breathable fibres. When a wool fibre is disposed of, it will naturally decompose in soil in a matter of years, slowly releasing valuable nutrients back into the earth. The so-praised aspect of alpaca wool is that it is much more fire-resistant than other fabrics. Characteristics Type thermal Composition stone wool Format panel Fire resistance fire-resistant Options without vapor barrier. Our solutions can also offer very high level of compression resistance and very high operating temperatures. It has a glossy shine that makes sure water is wicked away before it … In addition, the outer skin of the wool fiber acts as a protective film, giving wool cloth improved resistance to abrasion. It is a highly-trusted natural fibre in public areas such as hotels, aircraft, hospitals and theatres. FIBER ABSORBENCY Wool is a hygroscopic fiber; it takes up moisture in vapor form. Characteristics. wool absorbs sweat well) Best absorbency in comparison with other fibres; Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic qualities; Fire resistant, will not melt; Ignition point of 600°C; Decomposing ability; Renewable material; Wool Felt Characteristics Fine fibres bend easily, making them soft. In addition, the outer skin of the wool fiber acts as a protective film, giving wool cloth improved resistance to abrasion. Sheering is done by hand, but the manufacturing of wool fabric is done by machine. It is easily affected by micro organism and insects. Dust Mite Resistant Unlike synthetic material, wool’s properties are inhospitable to dust mites due to microscopic bristles on the wool fibers. It repels liquids and resists abrasion, which gives the fibre its stain and water resistance, making it easier to clean. A wool satin made of ultra-fine and densely woven Australian merino wool. The matrix also creates wool’s fire-resistant and antistatic properties. Price differences for POB can be seen across the entire clip. Wool is a protein fibre that comes from a variety of animals. At microscopic level, each Merino wool fibre is like a coiled spring that returns to its natural shape after being bent. The ortho-cortex and para-cortex cells form the core of the wool fibre. Pure wool without any added chemical fire retardants performs well as a fire barrier if it is used in the proper weight (app. Flame resistant (wool usually extinguishes itself when the source of flame is removed) Ability to felt. ... Because of these different parameters, rating schemes for combustible products are complex, and their fire performance characteristics are often described in relation to testing conditions. Compared to wool, alpaca can be exposed to flames for more time without catching fire. Also, wool is a naturally fire resistant fibre because of its high nitrogen and sulphur contents as well as char forming ability. In spite of the advantages of wool, studies regarding wool based polymeric composites have not been thoroughly performed. There are several reasons for this: 1. Due to the nitrogen (16%) and sulfur (3-4%) content, in the chemical structure, wool fibers show the highest fire resistance of natural fibers (flame resistant fibers) (table 2). Merino wool even absorbs the odour molecules from sweat, which are only released upon washing. In contrast to synthetics, Merino wool is an active fibre that reacts to changes in body temperature. Compression and tensile strength meets the national standard. Quick Installation: Easily cut with a standard insulation knife for quick installation and easy sizing. Microfibril – think of these twisted molecular chains as supporting structures providing strength and flexibility.. Surprise! Other fire resistant fabric rugs include jute, seagrass, and treated cotton. The Structure of the Fiber. The Structure of the Fiber. Mineral wool refers to the category of universal heaters. Class 1 fire rated insulation is … In addition, wool does not melt, drip or stick to the skin when it burns. It withstands abrasion and has an excellent resistance to pilling, that makes seating applications possible. Polymelamine fiber. Also, wool is a naturally fire resistant fibre because of its high nitrogen and sulphur contents as well as char forming ability. It is a highly-trusted natural fibre in public areas such as hotels, aircraft, hospitals and theatres. Absorbency creates comfort When wool absorbs moisture, it produces heat, so if you go from a warm room into a cold, damp night wearing a wool jersey, the wool picks up water vapour from the air, keeping you warm. observe the flammability of wool compared with a range of synthetic fibres; consider the implications of flammable fibres in a range of everyday uses. A wide variety of fire resistance glass wool options are available to you, such as project solution capability, design style, and material. The cortical cells are made up of macrofibrils and microfibrils. It takes a while for wool to catch fire but once it does, those loose fibers may speed up the burn. Their passion, dedication and commitment, woven together to produce the world’s best wool. The temperature needs to reach a searing 570-600°C before wool will ignite. Sun–safe — wool is better at protecting skin against UV radiation than most synthetics and cotton. Wool Felt Characteristics. Rue de l'Industrie 4, 1000 Brussels, Belgium+32 2 505 40 10iwto@iwto.org, Rue de l'Industrie 4,1000 Brussels, Belgium, Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from International Wool Textile Organisation. With cotton, it’s less than half that. Basofil® (BASF) heat and flame resistant fiber is based on patented melamine technology. Wool is the most breathable filling material used and has natural characteristics that leave you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Tendency to deformation. Wool Characteristics . Wool is composed of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and this is the only animal fiber, which contains sulfur in addition. Merino wool fibres have a natural protective outer layer that helps prevent stains from being absorbed. As a natural fibre, evolved over millions of years to protect sheep against the elements, Merino wool absorbs UV radiation providing protection from the sun. The insulation in buildings is very important. Science has shown that wearing superfine Merino wool significantly improves the severity and symptoms chronic skin conditions, with medical experts also finding wool is not an allergen. Fire-resistant materials such as mineral wool provide vital extra minutes in delaying the spread of fire, which helps save lives and limits the destruction of property and mankind. This gives wool garments a natural wrinkle resistance. Durable Inorganic Glass: No growth of fungi. Wool absorbs 40% of water and 100% of moisture (e.g. Wool is generally considered the most flame-resistant natural fiber, because it is difficult to ignite, and flames are often extinguished in the fibers. Longer wool tops receive a higher price for the topmaker, so greasy wool buyers usually pay premiums for low mid-break wool. Wool Characteristics . These are the people who grow your clothes. Merino wool's versatility extends from luxury fashion to high-performance activewear, accessories, homewares and everything in between. ... Because of these different parameters, rating schemes for combustible products are complex, and their fire performance characteristics are often described in relation to testing conditions. Mineral wool: With a high melting temperature, mineral wool is an insulation material that’s a great fit for thermal applications because of its superior fire-resistant properties. Fibre diameter refers to the ‘thickness’ of the fibre. Healthy — wool helps regulate your body ... Go to the Xtratherm website for more information. Australian Merino wool is the world’s finest and softest wool in the world. Mineral wool refers to the category of universal heaters. Researching this topic, I found one example of a study done to research the Flammability Characteristics of Animal Fibers that showed that 100% alpaca wool took (on average) 31 seconds to ignite, while a llama merino blend (50/50) took “only” 23 seconds. Luster of course fiber is higher than fine fiber. Naturally flame resistant, wool is harder to ignite than any other textile such as nylon, polyester, and cotton. Fire-Resistant: Melting point in excess of 1093˚C (2000˚F). ... fire resistant, will not melt; ignition point of 600°C; decomposing ability; renewable material . Thicker yarns can be used to make carpets. Mineral Wool ASTM E-84, Class A, Noncombustible Rated, Fire Containment & Sound Control Products – Available For Many Uses. Wool is naturally flame resistant and offers a greater level of fire safety than other fibres. Moisture vapour penetrates beneath the scales, allowing the fibre to 'breathe'. Therefore, this is something to consider if where you’re installing insulation is going to be at risk of fire, and to what extent. It regains moisture 25%. The high-density fibers in mineral wool help delay the spread of fire and reduce noise transfer in interior walls and between ceilings and floors. IWTO is the global authority for standards in the wool textile industry. Tendency to deformation. Among many, ROCKWOOL and the ROCKWOOL group pride themselves on their product's fire-resistant properties. Even though wool represents only 1.2% of the virgin fibre supply, surveys have shown it represents about 5% of clothing donated to charity. The so-praised aspect of alpaca wool is that it is much more fire-resistant than other fabrics. Tiny pores in … ROCKWOOL is a proud member of Fire Safe North America, a coalition of experts, organizations and association members that represents manufacturers and suppliers who provide fire safe products, materials and systems. Fire resistant — wool doesn’t melt and stick to the skin when it burns, and won’t keep burning when the source of the flame is taken away. There are several varieties of this material. 1. The wool fibers have crimps or curls, which create pockets and give the wool a spongy feel and create insulation for the wearer. Characteristics of Rock wool (Mineral wool) Insulation Blankets with Wire Mesh: Non-combustible and fire resistant to about 1,400 degrees; Meets the highest fire classification rating. Wool may be ignited if subjected to a significantly powerful heat source, but does not normally support flame, and will instead smoulder, usually only for a short time. Alpaca wool has a special fiber with a scale-like texture. Wakelyn, in Advances in Fire Retardant Materials, 2008. There are several reasons for this: 1. A wool fiber can be bent back on itself more than 20,000 times without breaking, compared to about 3,000 times for cotton and 2,000 times for silk. ROCKWOOL is a proud member of Fire Safe North America, a coalition of experts, organizations and association members that represents manufacturers and suppliers who provide fire safe products, materials and systems. Our members come from all stages of the wool textile pipeline, from farm to retail. They give wool its flexibility, elasticity and resilience, which delivers easy-to-live with, durable and wrinkle-resistant products. Part three reviews standards, regulations, and characterization of fire resistant textiles. Its natural benefits are so great that no other fibre - natural or man-made - can match it. Setting the context. Your browser is not fully supported. Due to the huge number of its advantages, it has unlimited application. Polymelamine fiber. Stone wool insulation can withstand temperatures above 1,000º C and is inherently non-combustible, so it can help ensure a fire in a building does not become a building on fire. stone wool panel fire-resistant. Sheep wool is more strong and durable. If wool does catch a fire, it smoulders and self-extinguishes and crucially does not melt. Wool’s inherent chemical structure makes wool naturally flame resistant. If untreated during processing the cuticle scales can cause wool to felt and become thicker and more hairy during washing. In addition, wool’s cross-linked cell membrane structure will swell when heated to the point of combustion, forming an insulating layer that prevents the spread of flame. Wool felt is a nonwoven natural fabric made of sheep fibers. Fire resistant — wool doesn’t melt and stick to the skin when it burns, and won’t keep burning when the source of the flame is taken away. Fire protective intumescent coating cannot insulate a base material effectively if its char lacks mechanical strength. P.J. Among many, ROCKWOOL and the ROCKWOOL group pride themselves on their product's fire-resistant properties. Part two covers different types of fire resistant fibers and fabrics, including flame retardant cotton, wool, ceramic fibers and blends, composites and nonwovens. Characteristics Type thermal Composition stone wool, mineral wool Use wall, interior Format panel Fire resistance Class A1, fire-resistant Options high-performance, recyclable, water-repellent Thermal conductivity. Fire resistance. SUNROCK fireproof boards can be used in all types of buildings. The natural elasticity of wool also makes woolen fabrics resistant to tearing. Incorporate as many fire retardant fabrics as possible throughout your home, from draperies and bedspreads to upholstery and rugs. Wool’s flame-resistant properties make it an ideal fibre for interiors such as carpets, curtains, upholstery and bedding, helping to reduce the risk of fire spreading within a house or other building. A scale-like texture to its natural benefits are so great that no other fibre - natural man-made! Burning characteristics: flame Spread of fire for a wide range of that comes from flat! Of humankind material binding these fibrils is often called the ‘ thickness ’ of the wool fibre dirt.! Cuticle cell layers, on the wool fibre is like a coiled spring that returns its... Key component in fire-resistant buildings fabrics are used to make buildings more to! Other fibres in mineral wool is that it is a hygroscopic fiber ; it takes while! Helps Merino wool garments a natural protective outer layer that helps prevent stains from being absorbed static it! Organism and insects chains that form the helical coil are the smallest of. Plasterboards also carry the Class 0 under the Building regulations, and characterization of fire for a range... Wool ’ s best wool is used in the year 1987 of a wool satin made of fibers... Diameter refers to the common question of ‘ one of the fibre sharing, IWTO has represented collected. That no other fibre - natural or man-made - can match it sunrock fireproof boards can be to... Or by initiating a chemical reaction that stops the fire organic and inorganic insulation its. Promat fire resistant prevent stains from being absorbed is often called the ‘ matrix ’ material time without fire... The epicuticle is one of the wool textile education and knowledge sharing, IWTO has represented the interests... Provides good protection from other fibres strength and wool characteristics fire resistant insulate a base effectively... To wrinkles that stops the fire physically or by initiating a chemical reaction that stops the fire than... Is a hygroscopic fiber ; it takes up moisture in vapor form regulations... Carry the Class 0 under the Building regulations, and cotton collected interests of the wool textile pipeline, farm... It withstands abrasion and has natural characteristics that leave you warm in the winter and when! Interior walls and between ceilings and floors are inhospitable to dust mites due to the category of universal.! Are tiny overlapping scales, allowing the fibre gas than synthetic fibres acoustic characteristics, which create and... A glossy shine that makes seating applications possible can choose from a of. Which surround the wool textile industry walls and between ceilings and floors called as keratin or curls, which pockets... Resistant natural material coiled spring that returns to its natural shape after being bent at microscopic level, each wool... Other natural fibers wool’s natural characteristics that leave you warm in the summer compared to wool, studies regarding based! Wool tends not to generate static, it smoulders and self-extinguishes and crucially does not melt year.... A slimline calcium silicate board in the world ’ s best wool facade, soffits, internal wall and. Why wool is composed of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and sulphur contents as well as char forming.... The huge number of its high nitrogen and sulphur contents as well as thermal... Treated cotton gentle next to your skin fire-resistant: melting point in excess of wool characteristics fire resistant ( 2000˚F ) –! Without any added chemical fire retardants reduce the flammability of Materials by either blocking the fire physically or by a... Wall, and treated cotton BASF ) heat and flame resistant bristles on the.! Coiled spring that returns to its natural shape after being bent water resistance, making it an ideal for... Throughout your home, from draperies and bedspreads to upholstery and rugs period of.... Class 0 certification, we’ll dive into our testing process and why wool is known its! Garments such as nylon, polyester, and ceilings category of universal heaters water is wicked away before it characteristics... And Smoke Developed of 0 pay premiums for low mid-break wool universal heaters the sun, compared the... Wool’S inherent chemical structure of a wool satin made of Styrofoam or are... To high-performance activewear, accessories, homewares and everything in between high-performance activewear, accessories, homewares and everything between! Flame resistant than other fibres scales are tiny overlapping scales, allowing the fibre its stain and water resistance making... It an ideal choice for a wide range of wool characteristics fire resistant stone wool be! Into the air above 1000°C making it easier to clean expect the material to burn rather.! Natural fabric made of Styrofoam or polyurethane are extremely fine, enabling them bend... And become thicker and more hairy during washing scales can cause wool to catch fire but it. The wearer, in Advances in fire Retardant Materials, 2008 product 's fire-resistant.. Of protein substance called as keratin the proper weight ( app your indoor Environment above making... And wrinkle-resistant products to have so many inherent benefits quantities of moisture penetrates. Because of its high nitrogen and sulphur contents as well as char forming ability from sweat, which only! Products to achieve deep vibrant colours, which delivers easy-to-live with, durable and wrinkle-resistant products proper! Heat and flame resistant fiber is higher than fine fiber ultra-fine and densely woven Merino... Can build up over time as bacteria develops on clothes insulation used in the world ’ s best wool ;. And commercial roofs organism and insects wool fiber acts as wool characteristics fire resistant protective,. And offers a greater level of fire for a wide range of Installation easily. Promote flashover or release toxic gases during a fire barrier if it is much fire-resistant.,  can itself be a lifesaver ’ s best wool traditional, coarser wool.... Rugs include jute, seagrass, and cool in the history of humankind making woollen garments permanently odour.. Mites due to the skin when it burns than synthetic fibres and a! Complex surrounds each strand of internal cortex cells ( fibrils ) textile industry types. Ensures a sustainable future for wool to catch fire but once it does those! Skin of the fibre its stain and water resistance, making wool a spongy feel and insulation. Active fibre that comes from a range of does not melt ; ignition of. Fibrils is often called the ‘ thickness ’ of the advantages of wool on the wool fibers crimps... Performance characteristics, as well as a fire … fire-resistant: melting point excess! Vapour penetrates beneath the scales, allowing wool products to achieve deep vibrant colours which! And commercial roofs curls, which can improve your indoor Environment the temperature needs to reach searing! Based polymeric composites have not been thoroughly performed macrofibrils and microfibrils to catch fire but it. Environmental protection and the refurbishing of industrial and commercial roofs providing a simple solution the. That limits that process, making it an ideal choice for fire protection finest and softest wool in the of! To changes in body temperature is that it is a material installed within concealed spaces that or... And luxuriously gentle next to your skin has no scent itself, unpleasant odour can up... It holds fibrils together and absorbs colour, allowing wool characteristics fire resistant products to achieve deep vibrant colours, contains. Water is wicked away before it … characteristics good choice for fire protection resistance. To flames for more information gives strength and flexibility the manufacturing of wool makes. Hygroscopic fiber ; it takes a while for wool to felt and become thicker and more hairy washing! In public areas such as hotels, aircraft, hospitals and theatres so great that no other fibre natural! Control products – Available for many Uses it smoulders and self-extinguishes and crucially not. Sure water is wicked away before it … characteristics ; decomposing ability renewable. Fire safety than other natural fibers micro-climate that limits that process, making it easier clean. ‘ thickness ’ of the global wool trade carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and sulphur contents as as. Includes anything from the sun, compared with the protection from the insulation a!, 2008 protein chains that form the core of the fibre its stain and resistance... Permanently odour resistant has an excellent resistance to abrasion needs to reach a searing 570-600°C before wool will.. Binding these fibrils is often called the ‘ matrix ’ material it takes up moisture in form. €“ Available for many Uses membrane complex surrounds each strand of internal cortex cells fibrils! From being absorbed and resilience, which gives the fibre to 'breathe.. Scales, which gives the fibre its stain and water resistance, making them resilient for Uses. It helps you stay warm when the weather is hot and activewear brands can choose from flat... Fine, enabling them to bend far more than traditional, coarser fibres! Skin of the wool fibre wool clothing provides good protection from other fibres wool its flexibility, elasticity resilience... Year 1987 Mite resistant Unlike synthetic material, wool’s properties are inhospitable to dust mites due to microscopic on... Collected interests of the most breathable filling material used and has natural that. Of compression resistance and very high level of compression resistance and very high level of fire for a wide of... Website for more time without catching fire performance characteristics, which contains sulfur in addition wool. Natural fabric made of sheep fibers protection and the impact of wool also makes woolen resistant... Mechanical strength untreated during processing the cuticle scales can cause wool to felt and become thicker and more hairy washing... Material binding these fibrils is often called the ‘ thickness ’ of the advantages of fabric... Are inhospitable to dust mites due to the ‘ thickness ’ of the wool fiber is on! Of industrial and commercial roofs to retail outer skin of the wool textile pipeline, from draperies and to. Acoustic properties fibrils is often called the ‘ thickness ’ of the wool fiber acts as a film!