Dimensional Changes and Related Phenomena in Wool Fibers under Stress

Abstract

The type and magnitude of dimensional changes occurring in wool fibers under stress were investigated by means of transverse and longitudinal measurements. The over-all rate of decrease in the fiber diameter as related to the rate of extension indicated a con stant volume distortion beyond the Hookean extension. However, slight deviations at approximately 5 and 27% extensions suggested the possibility of drastic structural changes at these levels. Data on the length contraction owing to crimp and observa tions at microscopic level regarding the absence of mechanical damages to the structural elements of wool under stress also are presented.