MERCEOLOGY OF SHEEP WOOL BLANKET

4.1. IDENTIFYING THE PRODUCT. WHAT IS THE WOOL BLANKET

OF SHEEP?

The blanket, throw, or sheep wool blanket are names for a product
clothing used to protect oneself from the cold, and especially for keeping warm
while sleeping. There is a difference regarding comforters, bedspreads,
sheets and other covers or bedspreads; and it is because of their thickness. Generally, they

they are made with an elongated and rectangular shape.

It is also part of various regional costumes from different countries. Its use
specific throughout history in trade and war has associated it
as a complementary garment in the trade of muleteers and water carriers and in the
impedimenta of the cavalry.

4.1.1. PROCESS OF MAKING TEXTILES MADE WITH WOOL

OF SHEEP

The process of textile production is essentially done as follows:

Wool washing

The wool is washed with hot water, extracting all the organic residues that are
they gradually cling to it throughout the life of the sheep, then it hits the
wool to loosen the impurities and then rinse with cold water.

Drying of the wool

The wool is set to dry either on a flat surface or hanging in the open air.
or using a centrifuge dryer.

Carded

After washing the wool, carding begins, which is the process through which
the fibers of the wool are arranged parallelly, this process allows that
the fibers bond together and maintain their shape despite use and washing, they
makes using a carding machine or manually combing repeatedly the
wool with a card or special brush.

Wool spinning

It is done either with a spindle, a traditional instrument, or a spinning wheel, a machine.

handcrafted, and it involves twisting the fibers of carded wool until obtaining a
thread of the desired thickness.

Madeja

The spun wool is gathered in equal turns with a cross to create a skein,
the one that is washed again with soap to remove all types of residues that
they are still in it. After this wash, it is used in its natural color or is
dye with the desired color.

Wool dyeing

The product from which the desired color to dye the wool is selected,
which is boiled in water and the wet wool in skeins is added afterwards
during a cooking period, a substance that fixes the color such as salt is added,
vinegar, flint, or copper sulfate.

Wool fabric

Once the entire process of washing, carding, spinning, and dyeing has been completed
this wool is suitable for making the various products we find in
the market.

Lanolin

The surplus lanolin left from washing wool has a good price.
in the cosmetic industry, as one of the best basic substances for the
preparation of creams used for skincare.

4.2. CONSTITUTIVE MATERIAL. WHAT IS THE BLANKET MADE OF?

WOOL?
It is clear to assert that this blanket is made of sheep wool.

Wool is a natural fiber obtained from sheep and other animals.

through a process called shearing, it is used in the textile industry to
to manufacture products such as bags, blankets, ponchos, rugs, gloves,
socks, sweaters, backpacks, among many others.

The shearing

The obtaining of wool or fleece is done through shearing, which

It consists of removing or shaving the animal's wool.

Shearing can be done in two ways:

With scissors, it is the way to do it manually using scissors.

suitable for it. Shearers with good experience can
extract the wool from a sheep in just a few minutes.
With machine, these machines have two blades, they work using the
electric driving force.

In the pens, sheep are sheared with scissors for two basic reasons, the first is
because we believe that our animals suffer less and the second
because jobs are generated in the place.

The wool or fleece must be removed in one piece, the shearer must cut
close to the skin so that a second cut does not have to be made as it makes it very
you cut the fibers, which means it becomes more difficult to handle during processing.

The most valuable wools come from sheep that are three to six years old.
A sheep produces between one to three kilos of fine wool or two to six kilos of...
thick wool, depending on whether it is one breed or another. The isolated parts of the fleece

they show great differences in terms of fineness and state of cleanliness, according to the
part of the body from which they come. The classification of the fleece has its
importance, if one aims to achieve a certain uniformity in spinning.

Wool Classification
The classification of wool is done taking into account a series of
characteristics that depend both on the breeds and on the conditions in
let the animal be raised.

The most important characteristics are:

Fineness
Length
Regularity in the degree of curling and fineness
Uniformity, strength, and elongation
Elasticity
Flexibility
Color
Shine
Performance

4.2.1. Types of sheep wool

We have the following:

Types of breed, thickness, yield, and use

Race ofovine Thickness Performance Use

Merino Fina 75% to 85% Very fine fabrics
Corriedale fine cross 50% to 60% Fine fabrics
Romney MarshCross media 55% to 70% Blankets and cloths
Lincoln Thick cross 60% to 75% carpets, mats, etc.
Creole It is the thickest Rugs

Source: Textile Network Argentina. Taken from:↑ [Link]

option=com_content&view=article&id=182&Itemid=1. Consultation date 15-08-17

4. 3. USEFULNESS OF THE SHEEP WOOL BLANKET. FOR WHAT

DOES IT WORK?

The trend towards the functionality of sheep wool textiles has allowed for the
creation of medical and biomedical applications for body repair
human, as well as advances in aerospace application textiles and
military.

In people, through wool clothing, it allows their skin to breathe more.

easily, keeping them warm in winter and cool in summer,
while ensuring protection against ultraviolet rays and the risk
from the fire. This reveals a superior comfort and a healthier climate for everyone
users, allowing them to manage perspiration and control odors
essentials.

The natural elasticity of wool (up to 30% flexible extension without damage to the
fiber) combined with its resilience, water absorption and unique attributes
like fire resistance, transforms it into a healthy and safe fiber for
household, sports, and work garments.

In the use of blankets, what will be achieved is a regenerative sleep, 25%

deeper and improving temperature resistance properties
corporal, since recent studies show that when sleeping underneath
a sheep wool quilt, the heartbeats are
statistically lower throughout the sleep, which produces conditions
much more pleasant and healthy rest.

4.4. PROPERTIES OF SHEEP WOOL

Woolen garments are clothing made from more eco-friendly fibers.

of the environment, as it is produced with a lower environmental impact, is
biodegradable and due to its high moisture absorption, it is very comfortable.

In this way, wool clothing is made from natural fibers.

fiber is truly 'green' being both sustainable and biodegradable.
Both are highly valued properties in the textile industry today.
This environmental advantage is an increasingly sought-after requirement in a fiber.
At the same time, wool enjoys other advantages that have historically made it win
a reputation for 'high quality' for both the processors and the
consumers worldwide.
Additionally, wool offers practical attributes that greatly surpass those of
artificial fibers. Since wool "is born and not made", its complex structure
cellular assures its natural ability to breathe. In a unique way, it absorbs and
eliminates humidity, providing a climate that is capable of adjusting to each
individual situation, which ensures the user a climate where they will feel
thank you, but not with warmth.

4.4.1. The moisture absorption capacity

In Red Textil Argentina (2015) they explain it very well:

Water does not adhere to the surface of the wool, but rather it gets absorbed inside.
the fiber in vapor form, experiencing a powerful retention. There is a process
thermodynamic heat exchange... water molecules are absorbed and
are housed within the fiber's own structure. This process is
exothermic, that is to say, it releases heat, and in conditions of cold and humidity a

wool garment feels warm to us because we are receiving that heat

detached, in addition to the benefit of its qualities as a thermal insulator.

But if you thought that the cold winter was the only habitat for wool, you...
It will be surprising to know that in warm and dry environmental conditions, it loses the

water vapor retained into the environment and absorbs heat from it
human body producing a clear sensation of freshness. This
the characteristic of possessing opposing properties is very rare in others
fibers. Wool takes a long time to dry, and when it seems to be dry it can
still contain 15% water by weight of fiber without it being noticeable. That without
to be able to absorb up to 40% water.

4.4.2. Its capacity as a thermal insulator

It is due to the shape of the fibers, some more curly than others and of a great
elasticity. In them, air is trapped. Let's add to this fact that the
Wool garments do not cling to the body, which gives us a first layer.
of air with the ability to generate a good insulator.

4.4.3. Repellent Surface

The lanolin that is still present in organic and transformed wools of
artisanally and homemade, is responsible for waterproofing the sheep against the
rain and gives it that hydrophobic behavior. Furthermore, these natural waxes
they also prevent the entry of mites and dirt in general, so
Wool has a certain insulating capacity that makes us take time to notice the water.
It is even possible to achieve almost total insulation in felt techniques, such as
you show us the boots used in Russia for the snow or the yurts of
Mongolia, nomad houses made to withstand the climate of the steppes.

4.4.4. Flexibility, elasticity, elongation

These qualities provide almost infinite possibilities for creativity and for
to put our trust in a material that can last for decades. On one hand,
its fibers can stretch twice their size and shrink three times more,
depending on the combination of heat, humidity, and friction that we give it. Its
flexibility allows it to take any shape without breaking. This is very
practical in the design of shoes or clothing and in a thousand uses for objects
daily.

To get an idea of its strength and elasticity, let's think that a fiber of
paper can be folded 20,000 times without breaking, silk only 1,800 and the
rayon a modest 75 times.

Bactericide

It has some capacity to repel bacteria and fungi, which is why it is used.
for the baby cloth diapers and gives a certain margin when it comes to
store it. Considering that under continued conditions of
humidity and dust can succumb to microorganisms or to moths.

4.5. IDENTIFICATION OF THE FRAZED SHEEP WOOL MERCHANDISE

The tariff classification used in the production of this merchandise is

according to Bolivian exports of the NANDINA that are detailed from
the following way:
SECTION XI TEXTILE MATERIALS AND THEIR MANUFACTURES

CHAPTER 63 OTHER MANUFACTURED TEXTILE ARTICLES;

GAMES; CLOTHES AND RAGS

BATCH 6301 Blankets

SUBHEADING 6301.20 - Wool or fine hair blankets (except electric ones):

FRACTION 6301.20.10.00 -- Of wool

In the explanatory note of Chapter 51 WOOL AND FINE ORDINARILY HAIR;

Yarns and fabrics of horsehair, there is the following note that clarifies to us the

meaning of wool:

Note.

1. In the Nomenclature, it is understood by:

a) wool, the natural fiber that covers sheep;

4.6. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SHEEP WOOL

Resistance: it is the property that allows wool to stretch greatly

proportion, before breaking. This is very important, from the point of
textile view, given that industrialization processes such as carding,
combing and spinning subject the wool fibers to considerable tensions, which
they must have sufficient extensibility to remain intact through
the mentioned processes.

Elasticity: this property, closely related to the interior, refers to

the fact that the wool returns to its natural length after being stretched, within
certain limits, since there comes a time when, when the links break
chemicals, the wool that does not return to its original length. The elasticity of wool is
due to the helical structure of its molecules. Thanks to this property of
recovery of the extension, wool has the ability to retain its shape
the garments, and maintain the elasticity of the carpets.
Hygroscopicity: all natural fibers absorb moisture from the
atmosphere and, among them, wool is the one that does so in greater proportion; the
Wool is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs water vapor in an atmosphere.
wet and loses it in a dry one. Wool fiber is capable of absorbing up to
50% of its weight in runoff.

Flexibility: it is the property of wool fibers, which allows them to be bent.

with ease, without breaking or shattering. This property is of great importance.
for the industry, both in spinning and weaving, to achieve fabrics
resistant.

4.7. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SHEEP WOOL

Effect of alkalis: the protein of wool, which is called keratin,

is particularly susceptible to damage from alkalis. For example, solutions of
5% sodium hydroxide, at room temperature, dissolves wool fiber.

Effect of acids: wool is resistant to the action of mild acids or

diluted, but instead concentrated mineral acids, such as, for example,
Sulfuric and nitric acids cause splitting and decomposition of the fiber.
However, diluted solutions of sulfuric acid are used during the
industrial process of wool, to carbonize the plant matter attached to the
fibers.

Effect of organic solvents: most organic solvents

commonly used to clean and remove stains from wool fabrics, are
safe, in the sense that they do not damage the wool fibers.
4.8. BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF SHEEP WOOL

Microorganisms: wool has some resistance to bacteria and the

fungi; however, these microorganisms can attack the stains that
they appear in the wool. If the wool is stored in a humid atmosphere,
fungi appear, which can even damage the fiber. On the other hand,
the bacteria that produce rottenness can destroy the fiber, if the wool
remains for a long time in moisture and dust.

Insects: since wool is a protein, and therefore

it can be considered a modified food product, presents a source
of food for different types of insects. The larvae of the clothes moth and
the carpet beetle is the most common predator of wool;
It is estimated that these insects damage several million kilos of wool fabric.
every year. Several treatments have been suggested to prevent this damage; such is
the case of fumigating wool fabrics with insecticides, or the application of
chemical products that react with wool molecules and cause them to
fiber not to be palpable for insects. Another system is to put, in the
proximity of wool, substances that emit harmful odors for insects.

4.9. COMMERCIAL ASPECTS OF WOOL BLANKETS

The commercial presentation of this merchandise is:

One and a half square blanket

170 cm
5.10. TECHNICAL DATA SHEET OF THE EXPORT PRODUCT

Table 3. Technical Sheet of the Export Product

Company COPACABANA TEXTILES
Product Name SHEEP WOOL BLANKETS
NANDINA Tariff Code 6301.20.10.00

Technical specifications
Product description Sheep wool blanket
Materials Sheep wool
Origin of the raw material Bolivia
Available size 2.10 x 1.70 meters
Available colors Green
Product Presentation Unit
Certifications or Others It weighs 1.360786 kg.
Reference prices 94.32 USD IN CHILE; 77.15 USD in
Peru
Production capacity 1,200 us
monthly
Place and date of registration of the El Alto, November 19, 2017
technical sheet
Source: Own elaboration