Raw sheep wool management for thermal insulation materials: The case of Lithuania

Abstract

Raw sheep wool preparation processes are closely related to the use of environmentally harmful raw materials. To solve this problem, alternative ways of cleaning wool, often called environmentally friendly, are being sought. In this research, the possibilities of using Lithuanian wool for the production of thermal insulation materials were investigated. For this purpose, 4 tons of raw wool of different breeds of sheep was selected from various Lithuanian sheep breeders’ farms. Sources of impurities in wool were identified and the amount of fat in wool was assessed. After the initial re-selection, the wool was washed in different modes and with different detergents. The recycled and washed wool was supplied to the factory for the production of thermal insulation material. The aim of this work is to identify the main sources of wool impurities, analyze the quality of wool of different sheep breeds from different farms and evaluate the washing efficiency of different detergents and methods for different sheep breeds wool, and evaluate the quality of prepared wool raw material during different actual production processes. The results of the research provide preconditions for the improvement of thermal insulation materials of the sheep wool production and its quality management.