A Comparison of the Physical Properties Between Merino Wool and Camel Hair Through Discriminant Analysis

ABSTRACTThe applicability of camel hair is still conditioned by a gap in the knowledge about this raw material, which in turn hinders its supply chain, commercial possibilities, and the value that the product reaches in the market. The present research compares the physical-mechanical properties of Canarian camel hair versus Merino sheep wool, the world’s most popular proteinic fabric material, using a discriminant canonical analysis. The attributes that maximized differences between both types of animal-origin fibers were related to average fiber diameter, fineness, length staple, and residual dirt. Although slightly shorter than sheep wool, camel hair can reach a prominent fabric quality and spinning performance given its greater average diameter and its lower variation within small fragments along the snippet, as well as the higher distance from the tip to the finest point in the staple, which is an indicator for the breaking point. Such characteristics are known to increase bending rigidity during the manufacturing process. Residual dirt may be associated with the low-input, extensive exploitation of camels. The present paper provides a reference for maturing pre-process and manufacture techniques for the further valorization of camel hair in the present-day textile industry and, thus, engages income opportunities for this livestock production.