1. Introduction
Wool fiber can be manufactured into different textile products
such as carpets, rugs, blankets, socks and apparel. When used as
clothing materials, wool fibers are usually used to produce outerwear
in cold weather. Wool fibers can also be applied in underwear,
but very fine fibers must be selected to diminish the itchiness of the
product. The proteins in wool contain CONH and other groups
that attract moisture [1], which suggests that wool fabric could
transfer sweat to keep the body warm and comfort. Wool fiber
holds potentials in underwear even though very limited amount
of wool fibers are applied in today’s underwear market. Except for
the itchy effect of wool fiber, poor water absorbing properties, normally
refers to the wicking properties, of wool fabric confine its
further application in underwear or sportswear. Wool fiber holds
a moisture regain of 14–18%, which shows a very good moisture
absorbing properties. Unfortunately, the resistant membrane in the
epicuticle of wool fiber makes the fiber resistant to liquid water
[2]. Even though the endocuticle of wool fiber could be served as
the diffusion pathway for water, it takes time for the water to be
absorbed into the fiber. Pervious study suggests that the time for a
water droplet to sink into the surface of wool fabric is higher than
1800 s [3] obviously the fabric is unable to keep the body comfort
if sweat can not be absorbed and transferred swiftly.
Wool fabric made from fibers with cuticle scale layer removed
shows good water absorbing properties [4]. However, to obtain
water absorbing properties by the removal of the scales of wool