When it comes to the strength of the alpaca fiber, for a long time, the thought has been divided. But, the latest research in this area has determined the exact strength of the alpaca fiber. Those who are following the popularity of the alpaca wool must have stumbled across another of its great properties. More precisely, all of the benefits and properties that the alpaca wool has greatly refer to the fiber characteristics.
When it comes to the straightening of the alpaca fiber, it is measured in staple strength, more specifically in N/ktex. Alpaca’s average staple strength is around 50 N/ktex. This refers to the force that it takes before the alpaca lock or cluster hair finds its breaking point at 50 newtons.
Although this might sound a bit like physics, it simply is a way of determining strength. Many would instantly wonder whether the alpaca staple strength is on average 50 N/ktex? Generally, the strength of this wool can vary between 10 and 70 N/ktex.
The range between 10-30 N/ktex is considered weak. Everything above 40 N/ktex is considered strong. When it comes to wool processing, 30 N/ktex is the minimum requirement. This means that the alpaca wool is quite strong. But, there are also some other things to be considered. If you want to buy alpaca throws or similar products, the following information will be useful!
As mentioned above, the greatest alpaca wool characteristics and benefits come from fiber. So, it is expected that when learning about the strength of the fiber, it also comes close to the micron count of the wool fiber. That is in general the fiber diameter.
It is also known as the softness of the fiber. As you might know, most of the price of wool fiber depends on the micron count. However, there are also some other things to be considered that can contribute to the quality of the fiber and the price too.
As we have already explained above how strong the alpaca wool is, here are some in-depth details on how the alpaca wool’s strength is measured:
To measure staple strength, force is applied to a staple of alpaca fibers. Imagine that you hold a bundle of hairs on both sides and you apply force until it breaks. To measure the results of this, you need the force, measured in Newtons and the thickness of the staple (staple density, the average of the individual fibers), measured in tex (N/ktex).
The strength of the alpaca’s wool fibers is measured in tex. Tex is the measure used for measuring the mass density of the fibers. If the staple is denser, then it will be heavier too. If it is lighter, then it will be less dense. 1 kilotex is 1000 tex. If there is a measurement that says 30 tex, it means that the mass of 1000 meters of hair weighs 30 grams.
Many difficulties come from measuring the alpaca wool. It can be measured in staple strength, which shows the force. However, with the constantly changing standards and technology, it can be hard to find the most precise measurements and avoid discrepancies. The real strength of the alpaca wool can vary because:
– the strength can increase when the single fiber is woven or spun together;
– the strength can decrease if the fibers are exposed to chemical dying, bleaching, and unsuitable treatment.
The alpaca and the sheep wool are the ones that are measured in staples. The other luxury wool-like angora, cashmere, and camel are usually measured in single hairs. If they have raw fleeces mixed with coarse fibers, it will deliver unreliable staple strength results.
You can also read: Alpaca wool vs sheep wool: which is lighter?
The fashion and textile industry is constantly seeking new evidence and ways that will show the alpaca fiber’s even greater benefits. For now, it is more than sure and evident that alpaca wool is one of the best wool types there is on the market.
As such, we at Silkeborg Uldspinderi are always looking to widen our offer with the best and the most interesting alpaca wool pieces. With the highest quality and durability, you can easily elevate and update your home and living space with the alpaca wool throw blankets and cushions. They will bring a fashionable look, and the feeling when you wrap yourself around or put your head down is pretty amazing.
