Yolk in sheep‘s wool

Abstract

Grease wool or wool in the suint is described. This yolk is of a big functional importance for the wool fleece because it forms a fat layer which penetrates the wool hair, and it protects against solar radiation, rain, dew and snow. Data about the history of the chemical treatment of wool after shearing are given. The main components of wool present in natural state are described in detail: water-soluble component (wool sweat, product of the sweat glands of the sheep‘s skin, main component potash), waterin-soluble component (wool fat insoluble in organic solvents with lanolin as the main component) and components which are solved neither in water nor in organic solvents. Unique lanolin properties are described in detail. Lanolin forms a stable emulsion with water (to 80 % of water) and takes up both water-soluble and water-insoluble substances. The skin absorbs it very good. It finds a wide application in medicine, pharmacy, cosmetics, cream production, pomades, soaps, varnishes and dyestuffs. A word is said also about preparatory technology of wool fiber. Wool still remains a very valuable and important textile fiber.