Wool Research Research Portfolio

Wool Research continue to support a variety of industry good “post farm gate” research activities. In addition to its committed investment in six research projects, Wool Research agreed to take funding and management responsibility for the later period of eight post farm gate projects initiated by Meat & Wool New Zealand. A total of approximately $1.8M was invested in R&D over the period.

Wool Research Consortium

In a move to increase the level of industry co-investment and involvement in R&D, and to ensure that its investment is market relevant and outcomes readily commercialised, the Wool Research Board is seeking to channel its investment through a Wool Industry Research Consortium. The application was still in the hands of FRST going through afurther review process. If the application to FRST is successful, the Consortium will manage the investment of $2.5M per annum for a five year period on behalf of the industry and Wool Research (based on a Wool Research investment of $1M per annum).

In order to ensure that its investment value is maximised and relevant, Wool Research had chosen to delay the commitment to new or renewed investment in projects until the outcome of the consortium application is confirmed, therefore no contracts are active past 30 September 2009.
However the Wool Research Board in February 2010 agreed recommenced research funding irrespective of the outcome of the Wool consortium application to FRST.
The Wool Consortium establishment group has been asked by Wool Research to advise the selection of suitable new projects.
 Project application should be directed to the Research Manger Ian Cuthbertson.

 

 

 

Sonochemical Applications in Wet Wool Processing

Service provider AgResearch Ltd

Status: Completed Project

Summary:

The primary objective of this project was to evaluate the ability of this technology to reduce the environmental
impact of aqueous processing of wool in terms of water, energy and chemical use. High frequency sonic waves (ultrasound) produce sonochemical effects in liquids due mainly to the effect of cavitation – the rapid growth and collapse of microscopic bubbles - which cause localised
extremely high temperatures and pressures in otherwise cold liquids.

The potential of ultrasound to enhance a wide range of wool processes was investigated - the clearest benefits were shown in dyeing, bleaching, yarn scouring, shrink-resist treatments, and enhancing surface bonding with polymers. The benefits shown were improved quality of treatment, and savings in energy and chemicals. The potential for use in wool scouring is mixed – while it improved colour and
allowed the amount of detergent used to be halved, it had an adverse effect on grease removal.

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Prevention of Photobleaching and Photodegradation in Carpet Wools

Service provider: AgResearch Ltd

Status: New Project

Summary

 

 

The project is designed to further develop the mitigation strategies for photobleaching and photodegradation that were identified in the related project completed in the 07/08 investment period.

This investment successfully demonstrated a lab scale novel photoprotective treatment of wool. Detailed evaluation of the treatment revealed:

A satisfactory and even surface coating of the fibre by the material matrix A pre-irradiation whitening and brightening effect
Significant photoprotection against UVA irradiation, including against challenges consistent with 1-2 years of exposure to sunlight through window glass Excellent durability to solvent washes Improvement in abrasion resistance of the treated substrates

Further investment involving the up-scaling and refinement of this technology to a fully commercial process will be at the discretion of the Consortium Board.

A New Approach to Proteomic Characterisation and Structural Elucidation of Wool Quality Traits

Service provider AgResearch Ltd

Status: Completed project

Summary:

The project utilises a set of advanced proteomics/mass spectrometric methods to investigate and identify the links between the proteins in the wool fibre, and the presence and utilisation of fibre quality traits such as strength and crimp.

The project has resulted in new knowledge of wool fibre constituent protein identities, expression patterns, abundances, and the relation between cross-links and these important fibre characteristics. The difference in certain identified protein abundances between high strength and low strength, and high crimp or low crimp wool, suggest a correlation with the fibre characteristics of strength or crimp, and a potential causal relationship.

The outcomes from this fundamental research will provide knowledge and tools to ongoing applied research targeting improvement of wool fibre physical characteristics.

Traceability for Sheep Product Knowledge, Value & Market Access

Service provider AgResearch Ltd

Status: Ongoing Project (subject to
Consortium review)

Summary:

This project involves a feasibility study using Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry to determine whether there are identifiable stable isotope ratios for New Zealand wool that are distinguishable from wool grown in other countries.

A system has been developed and evaluated measuring hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon and sulphur isotopes in commercially scoured wool, yarn and carpet for the purposes of determining the country of origin of the wool. The research has identified significant differences in stable isotope levels in wool from different countries. Mathematical models have been developed using Discriminant Function Analysis and tested using sets of crossbred wool validation samples from New Zealand, United Kingdom and China. Trials successfully identified country of origin in all cases, including scoured wool through to dyed carpet pile fibre.

Further investment in this technology is required before it can be fully utilised. This is likely to be supported through consortium investment along with appropriate potential commercialisation partners.

Insect Gut Mechanism of Surfactants

Service provider AgResearch Ltd

Status: Completed Project

Summary:

This project continued the focus of investment in non-insecticidal methods of protecting wool textiles from attack by moth (Tineoa bisselliella) and carpet beetle larvae (Anthrenocerus australis). It assumes that surfactants are the most likely long term solution against insect attack, and was designed to develop a clear understanding of the mechanisms by which certain surfactants are able to protect the fibre.

The trials to establish whether there were behavioural effects on insect larvae due to the presence of surfactant indicate that the larvae could not smell or feel anything that repelled them from treated wool. Insect gut assays showed significant reduction in the levels of four out of the six
enzymes measured when moth larvae consumed treated wool, and a significant reduction in three of the five enzymes measured in the case of beetle larvae consumption. No morphological differences were noted in the digestive tract of moth larvae when fed control or treated wool, but
unfortunately beetle larvae gut could not be observed under a microscope due to difficulties in preparing the gut.
A very promising non-insecticidal IR agent which is a very commonly used antimicrobial was identified and trialled. Application rates of 0.05% and 0.5% on mass of wool were found to be the optimum application levels for treatment against moth and beetle respectively. Some further work is required to minimise any negative impact of its application on dye levelness for some classes of dye, however it is likely that this product will be made available as a commercial IR treatment..

Amplification of Wool Surface Functionality to Create Novel Textile Treatments

Service provider AgResearch Ltd

Status: Ongoing Project (subject to Consortium review)

Summary:

The surface of the wool fibre largely influences its chemical potential and suitability for modification to enable new or novel applications. This project is designed to significantly enhance the surface reactivity of the fibre, thereby opening the way for a range of novel surface treatments such as
durable micro and nano-encapsulations, adjustable hydrophobicity, and new photoprotection treatments.

The application of advanced treatments to wool requires an appropriately functionalised surface available for covalent attachment. The research has refined methods to remove the outer hydrophobic lipid layer of wool which exposes the underlying proteinaceous layer which contains a variety of functional groups available for covalent attachment.

Work to date has demonstrated that it is feasible to add significant additional functionalisation via a secondary
treatment to the fibre surface which has already been amplified by linking hydroxyl adducts to the fibre surface. It
is hoped that this technology will provide the basis for step changes in wool product functionality in the future.

Insect Resist Treatment

Service provider AgResearch Ltd

Status: Ongoing Project (subject to Consortium review)

Summary:

The project investigated the potential synergistic effects (and consequent ability to significantly lower the amount of insecticide used) of combining a range of insecticides including fipronil, permethrin, imidacloprid, sulphonated imidacloprid, diflubenzuron, and bifenthrin. Additionally issues around mass balances of chlorfenapyr were investigated.
The work showed that unfortunately there was little or none of the expected synergy between the various combinations of chemicals. Fipronil wasidentified as a potential commercial product for both moth and beetle protection, with the pilot scale mass balance showing levels necessary for protection result in total toxicity to Daphnia magna ten times lower than the NZ Environmental Choice level for bifenthrin, and 500 times lower than the limit for permethrin.

Abrasion Resistance of NZ Upholstery Fabrics

Service provider CSIRO

Status: Completed Project

Summary:

This project has been undertaken in partnership with a local weaving company, and demonstrated that for some fabric structures, increases in abrasion resistance of around twenty percent could be achieved. In some product areas this is very significant in that it enables entry level
performance limits to be achieved for product areas
previously unobtainable.

The innovation in this project, which uses commercially available products, was around a novel pre-treatment regime which improved polymer penetration and surface adhesion.

Performance Merino

Service provider The New Zealand Merino Company Ltd

Status: Ongoing Project (subject to
Consortium review)

Summary:

The project is designed to provide substantiated evidence that identifies the performance strengths of wool (particularly in next-to-skin apparel applications). The two year project, which is now at completion of the first year, is designed to produce a significant reference document
focussing on the benefits of wool fibre and products available to all NZ wool users; demonstration of the ability of layered wool fabrics to regulate heat and moisture flows; identification of the mechanism of odour suppression by wool apparel and hosiery; and mitigating the negative
perceptions of wool textile/skin interactions.

To date the wool reference document has been completed, and has been made available to industry, while the longer term work around the other three objectives are in progress.

Alternative to Latex Use in Carpets

Service provider AgResearch Ltd
Status: Completed

Summary:

Trials with an experimental glue emulsion developed by AgResearch have demonstrated that it is possible to
considerably reduce the amount of latex applied during secondary backing of carpets, whilst increasing the technical performance of the carpet and decreasing the environmental footprint of the product.

The successful product is a blend of an environmentally friendly glue (EVA) compound with conventional latex (Styrene Butadiene Rubber) formulated in an optimised ratio. To achieve a tuft bind of 1.5kg, approximately 500gms of the formulation was required – typically a 25% reduction compared to the amount of traditional latex required to achieve the same result. This level of application also resulted in an almost 60% reduction in fibre shedding during standard abrasion resistance testing.

A very disappointing aspect of this project is that the cost of EVA has risen significantly since this project commenced, making the current commercial uptake of the technology by broadloom manufacturers unlikely. Wool Research may however, look at commercialising the outcomes of this project via high end rug manufacturers.

Recycle and Reuse processes for Derelict Carpets

Service provider AgResearch Ltd

Status: Completed Project

Summary:

The project was designed to identify options for end of life stewardship of used wool carpets. The outcomes from the project are very positive in terms of the value of using intact carpet as a weed suppressant and plant growth accelerant, with the field trials demonstrating clear differences between the covered and control areas – demonstrating new plant growth differences of up to 260% (in height).

The three month trial comparing the effects of different treatments on the rate of biodegradation of carpet structure showed that treatments that increased the moisture and temperature of the carpet increased the rate of breakdown – not a surprising factor, but one which reinforces the current thoughts around supporting an accelerated composting project as an option for end of life treatment.

The target of developing a readily biodegradable polypropylene primary backing for carpets was not taken to completion because of the reluctance of the manufacturers to become involved. The investigation into the use of derelict carpets as geotextiles indicated that their relative instability and difficulties around shapes etc did not make them suitable for this industry.

Natural Easycare Furnishing

Service provider AgResearch Ltd

Status: Completed Project

Summary:

The project sought to further evaluate the success that AgResearch had made in developing natural easycare shirt and suiting fabrics for the apparel industry, utilising the solospun technology which enables wool fabrics to be machine washed without the necessity of a chlorine shrink resist treatment. Fabrics suited for bed linen and upholstery use were targeted.

The upholstery fabrics developed have performed very well in terms of abrasion resistance (up to 93,000 rubs when industry struggles to get 50,000 from conventional products of similar weight) and machine washability.

Sheeting fabrics were initially targeted for potential hospital use because of the positive intrinsic characteristics that wool possess that will support their use in medical applications. Test results on the sheeting fabrics also indicate that they are achieving around twice the required abrasion figures specified by hospitals for their sheets, and that they perform well in laundering tests. The excellent handle achieved using the 21 micron fibre in the sheeting fabric raise several
alternative potential markets for this product.

Comparison of Allergen Aerolisation from Wool Carpets and Hard Flooring

Service provider AgResearch Ltd

Status: Ongoing Project (subject to
Consortium review)

Summary: The project is designed to provide conclusive objective data identifying the comparative effect on human health of wool carpets compared to hard flooring materials due to aerolisation of bulk dust, house dust mite allergen, and cat allergen.

The initial work has focussed on the design and application of a specialised environmental test chamber to enable testing to be undertaken, simulating flooring disturbance by walking using a programmable artificial foot.

Results to date look very positive for bulk dust performance. The disturbance levels of house dust mite have proven to be near to the detection level, and so it has been agreed that measurement of allergen will be restricted to cat allergen only.

High Lightfastness and Photostable Wool

Service provider AgResearch Ltd

Status: Completed Project

Summary:

The first of the two main objectives of the project – ie the refinement of methods to apply high light fastness vat dyes
to wool – was successfully trialled by a UK carpet manufacturer. Good lightfastness even at the pastel end of the spectrum has been demonstrated, and the application methods fine tuned to the point that they impart similar or sometimes lower damage to the fibre than the traditional metal containing acid dyes. An added bonus to the process is that vat dyes also colour cellulosic material, so VM contamination is dyed in similar tones to the wool thereby being significantly less visible.

The second objective of the project was around photoprotection. A large number of compounds commonly used in plastics and cosmetics for photoprotection was selected and tested on wool fabrics. During simulated exposure to sunlight, the best performing compounds increased wool’s strength retention fourfold, halved the yellowing, eliminated first fade, and doubled the lightfastness of the dyes – improvements which suggest that further work looking at combinations of the better performing compounds may result in a very useful outcome for industry.

An interesting side effect of some of the treatments was the significant increase (more than doubled in one case) in fabric “energy to break” gained through the addition of some of the compounds.

Other pages

• Summary of Projects Funded by Wool Research