Abstract
In this paper we intends to analyze the physical attributes that determine the comfort of fabrics made of South American Camelid fibers (Lama and Alpaca), the effect on their value and their possible mechanical and/or genetic solutions. While emphasis has always been on mean fiber diameter, the fiber frequency exceeding 30 microns has a key role in quality. This is essential for light fabrics, where the effect of prickle plays a critical part in consumer´s choice. Yet the genetic solution of the problem lies in the slow selection response. Dehairing provides an immediate solution, though excessive fiber breakage should be addressed. It is concluded that the textile fiber quality of South American Camelids is promissory if the presence of objectionable fibers is solved, resulting in a tolerable frequency for consumers (<3%). This process could be explored via genetic selection or applying dehairing technology. This implies a true paradigm shift with regard to the classic textile processing of Alpaca and Lama fibers. This would enhance the fiber softness to touch, together with other important features that would render the fiber price more competitive
Highlights
The textile fiber group to which Camelids belong is more commonly known as luxury fibers
Consumers have little direct interest in the properties or attributes of the fiber, being the subjective quality of the fabric what mainly determines their opinion on the various fibers [3]
Quality can be defined from a final consumer perspective by the 'hand' in order to indicate the relationship of quality to the degree of fabric acceptance
Summary
The textile fiber group to which Camelids belong is more commonly known as luxury fibers. Consumers have little direct interest in the properties or attributes of the fiber, being the subjective quality of the fabric what mainly determines their opinion on the various fibers [3]. The textile scientist, on the other hand, needs to understand the contribution of fiber attributes to such quality assessment [4]. Quality can be defined from a final consumer perspective by the 'hand' in order to indicate the relationship of quality to the degree of fabric acceptance. This term has been defined as the subjective assessment of a textile material obtained from the sense of touch. The fibers of domestic Camelids is seriously compromised, from a commercial standpoint, by this feature [7]
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