Abstract:
A study of the scaliness of South African Merino wool samples
showed that the percentage differences in friction between the two
directions varied from 3.0 per cent. to 130 per cent. At 70 per cent.
relative humidity and 70°F. the mean was 66.0 per cent., the
standard deviation 17.6 per cent. and the coefficient of variability
26.6 per cent.
No difference in scaliness between different fineness groups within
a staple was obtained. Between samples, however, a significant
negative correlation of -0.3428 between percentage difference in
friction and fibre fineness was obtained. The value obtained for a
sample was concluded to be characteristic of the sample, and not of
any particular group of fibres used for the determination.
The regression coefficient of percentage difference in friction on
fibre fineness was -2.30, a significant value, showing that on the
average the percentage difference in friction decreases by 2.30 per
cent. for every micron increase in the fibre fineness of the sample.
The values for coefficient of friction for the different quality
numbers of South African Merino wool are given.
Wool from rams gave a lower value for scaliness concordant with
a coarser wool.
The scaliness of the wool grown by three sheep on constant feed
decreased with age, though no corresponding changes in fibre fineness occurred.
