Definition
Animal fibers consist primarily of protein and are obtained from the fleece or hair of animals. Typical examples are sheep's wool (from sheep), cashmere and mohair (from goats), and angora (from rabbits). Silk is a special case: it is produced by silkworms as a continuous fiber (filament). Many animal fibers have good thermal insulation properties and high elasticity.
Use in the textile industry
Animal fibers are used primarily for high-quality, warming apparel such as wool sweaters, coats, and scarves, as well as for fine silk fabrics. Properties such as fineness, crimp, and surface structure influence wearing comfort, thermal performance, and care behavior.
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