Effects of Pigmentation on Some Physical and Mechanical Properties in Merino Wool Fibers

In this study, fiber fineness (µm), fiber strength (cN) and elongation (%) values of white and pigmented wool samples taken from female Merino sheeps between the ages of 0-2 years were compared. The results showed that both the fiber strength (cN) and elongation (%) values were increased in the presence of melanin pigment which is responsible for the fiber color and forming the cortex layer of the fibers causing higher micron values of fiber fineness. However, the difference between the diameters of pigmented and white fibers were statistically insignificant. On the other hand, pigmentation had a statistically significant effect on the strength and elongation properties of the black and white fibers. On the other hand, age parameter was not found to be statistically significant. In general, it can be said that wools from elder sheep are coarser and stronger, but they have lower elongation value.