Researchers developed a method to identify and measure different animal hair fibers in textiles, successfully distinguishing materials like cashmere from cheaper fibers.
Acidic sandy clay damages archaeological hair the most, while dry conditions preserve but make it brittle; silicone oil can help keep the hair flexible.
7 citations
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October 1963 in “Textile Research Journal” Merino wool fibers change shape with moisture, while human hair shape stays the same.
6 citations
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March 1998 in “Textile Research Journal” Chemical treatments can change the scale heights of wool and cashmere fibers, affecting their identification.
25 citations
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November 2012 in “Thermochimica Acta” Internal lipids in keratin fibers, like wool and hair, reduce water absorption and release.