Studies on the basic characteristics of South African merino wool. III. Moisture adsorption

Abstract

The adsorption of moisture at various relative humidities by ten samples representing different types of South African Merino wool was investigated. The samples differed significantly in absorptive powers. At 90 per cent. relative humidity the extreme values of 24.0 per cent. and 22.3 per cent. with a mean value of 22.8 per cent. were obtained. At 97.5 per cent. relative humidity the corresponding values were 28.3 per cent. and 27.4 per cent., showing a smaller difference than at 90 per cent. relative humidity. The highest values were obtained in the case of an extremely hairy sample, and the lowest in the case of a sample of the "ropy" type. The use of a standard sample for estimating the dry weights of samples is discussed. It is concluded that the method is suitable where an accuracy greater than 0.2 per rent. is not required, provided that samples of the hairy and “ropy” types are not included.