Author:
AOBA Fiber Committee

Date of Publication:
unknown

Publication:
Alpaca Culture

Excerpt:
Alpaca is flame resistant, meeting the standards of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s rigid testing specifications as a Class 1 fiber for use in clothing and furnishings.

Alpaca is resistant to external water penetration like wool, but can slowly wick away perspiration because of its unique ability to act like cotton in moisture regain. These factors are what makes alpaca feel lighter than wool, but warmer than cotton in cool, damp conditions.

Alpaca is water resistant, making spills easy to clean up before water saturates the fiber allowing stains to develop. It is also adsorbent to oils, meaning that the oils do not penetrate the fibers, but merely cling to the fiber for easy cleaning without harsh chemicals.

Alpaca is free of lanolin, and thus can be processed without the need for high temperatures or harsh chemicals in washing.

Alpaca is a natural renewable fiber with a wide range of applications.

Read the rest of the article: http://alpacaculture.com/40-helpful-information/research-articles/handling/72-alpaca-fiber-study-by-aoba