Speaker
Description
The revival of regional wool processing requires sustainable and decentralised methods for scouring raw wool. In this context, the Department of Textile Technology of Chemnitz University of Technology is developing a compact wool scouring machine for small and medium-sized manufacturers together with environmentally friendly washing processes. The aim is to provide a resource-efficient alternative to the big, centralised wool scouring facilities.
The research focuses on a modular wool scouring system with mechanical pre-cleaning, washing and rinsing stages, and a centrifuge unit to reduce wastewater carryover. A key challenge is the machine design and the scouring parameters in combination with scouring process.
Initial laboratory trials with Saxon raw Merino wool investigated different detergents, including industrial surfactant-based detergents, traditional potash cleaning, and a plant-based solution made from horse chestnuts. Cleaning performance was evaluated using CIE whiteness and yellowness measurements.
The results showed that all washing systems improved the optical properties of the wool. The highest whiteness values were achieved with surfactant-based detergents, especially “Power Scour.” The horse chestnut solution also demonstrated good cleaning performance and strong potential as a sustainable option for decentralized wool washing, while potash cleaning was less effective and partly increased fibre felting.
Overall, both surfactant-based and plant-based scouring methods are promising approaches for sustainable regional wool processing. Future work will optimise process parameters and evaluate residual grease content and wastewater sustainability.