ABSTRACT
Wool is a natural fibre produced by nearly 500 different breeds of sheep; however, the fibre is used for a number of different end uses and ranges in colour and length dependent on the breed type. Wool is classified by the average fibre diameter of the fleece; fine wool ≤24.5 µm, medium wool 24.6-32.5 µm and coarse wool ≥32.5 µm. In Australia the majority of the wool is produced by the Merino breed and is classified in the fine wool range. The micron categories used in Australia to identify Merino wool quality are superfine wool ≤18.5 µm, fine wool 18.6-20.5 µm, medium wool 20.6-22.5 µm and broad or strong wool 22.5-24.5 µm. High-quality, superfine or fine Merino wool is used for apparel end use, with a micron range below 20.5 µm. Wool carpet manufacturing uses a durable, long fibre produced from carpet breeds, such as the Tukidale and meat-sheep breeds, with wool classified in the coarse wool range. Wool produced from meat-sheep, for example, Romney or Border Leicester, is considered a by-product and blended with other fibres to be used in upholstery and interior textiles.
