Abstract

Australian woolskins, which are characterised by a relatively fine wool fibre and a high follicle density, have a pile which is prone to matting and entanglement during processing. The traditional way of reducing this problem, commonly known as felting, is to process woolskins in long floats with gentle agitation in paddles. A new method for processing woolskins which reduces the degree of felting has been invented and patented by the CSIRO Leather Research Centre. The technology which is registered as the Siroskin Process is based on the use of a holding agent to restrict the movement of wool fibres during processing and thereby reduce fibre entanglement and matting. In addition to reducing felting and enabling woolskins with finer fibres to be processed using conditions of increased agitation, the Siroskin Process also reduces the chrome staining of the wool pile. The Process has elements which challenge traditionally held views relating to woolskin processing in particular those relevant to scouring and dyeing.

The paper describes the principles of the Process and its commercial advantages.