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By Elise Demboski
In carpet fibers and other applications,
wool's texture and resilience enable it to recover well from crushing, resist soiling and
clean readily. Its unique fiber construction provides natural flame-resistance and high
durability, resulting in a product that retains its appearance for years.
Wool is a complex fiber that has evolved
over thousands of years with the sheep who produce it, to protect them over a wide range
of climatic conditions.
Wool cells come in two different types: the
paracortex and the orthcortex, which lie on opposite sides of the fiber and grow at
slightly different rates. This causes a three-dimensional corkscrew pattern of coiled
springs much like shock absorbers, giving wool high elasticity and a "memory"
that allows the fibers to recover and resume normal dimensions. Wool fibers can be
stretched up to 30 percent without rupturing and still bounce back.
Wool is also soil-resistant - releasing
soil up to 25 percent more readily than synthetic fibers. The cuticle, or outer layer of
the wool fiber, has a finely waxed surface with overlapping scales to keep soil in the
upper area of the t, where it is easily removed.
The protective membrane on the cuticle also
prevents water from readily penetrating the individual wool fibers. This same waterproof
membrane allows the fiber to absorb moisture in vapor form.
Water vapors coming through the cuticle
pores bond with amino acids in the cortex - the main bulk of the fiber. This lets wool
absorb up to one-third of its weight in moisture without feeling damp, making it resistant
to static electricity. This moisture-absorption property also helps wool recover from
pressure marks.
Wool's high moisture content and protein
constituents provide natural flame resistance.
Proper cleaning is important to maintain a
wool carpet's original appearance. A planned maintenance program should take into account
the likely level of soiling and cleaning costs. Facts to be considered include: traffic
patterns; type of soiling, such as street grime near entrances or food and drink in
refreshment areas; cleaning schedules; and personnel, equipment and resources available.
For deep cleaning, evaluate the nature and
extent of soiling before deciding on the cleaning method. The accompanying chart describes
types of soiling and appropriate cleaning methods.
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