An Investigation on Surface Characteristics of Hair Fibres of Cold-Resistant Animals

Abstract

Cold weather and the subsequent demand for lightweight apparel have prompted research work in the field of thermal insulation clothing. In addition to natural fibres, such as wool and cashmere, hollow chemical fibres, such as polyester or polypropylene fibre, have been studied and used to make thermal-insulation clothing. Primarily, modifications are made to increase the hollow ratio; however, this results in the fibre becoming brittle and prone to collapse. Yet many animals survive in harsh and cold conditions, and their hair plays a key role in keeping the body warm.

In the research under discussion, 4 types of cold-resistant animals are selected for observation of their hair fibres based on optical and scanning electronic microscopies. The characteristics of the hair fibres of cold-resistant animals are examined, including colour, scale density, scale thickness, medullary distribution and morphology of cross sections. The conclusions show that there are some common characteristics among cold-resistant animals, i.e., the cross sections are circular or ellipse or anomaly ellipse, scale density ranges from 40 to 100 scales per 1 mm, scale styles vary, and scale angles are small. The experimental results may be used to provide a modification method for functional fibres, especially for thermal-insulation fibres.

Citation

Hong-jie, Z., Zhen, C., Yin-lin, Z., Zhao-qun, D. and Wei-dong, Y. (2012), "An Investigation on Surface Characteristics of Hair Fibres of Cold-Resistant Animals", Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, Vol. 16 No. 3, pp. 94-100. https://doi.org/10.1108/RJTA-16-03-2012-B009