Eriology Defined: The Scientific Study of Wool Properties, Production, and Applications

Eriology (from Greek erion = wool) is the branch of science concerned with wool: its structure, physical/chemical properties, production, processing, and end-uses.

Scope of Eriology

• Fiber morphology: Scale structure, crimp, diameter (microns), length, medullation.
• Chemical composition: Keratin (α-helical), lipid content, disulfide bonds.
• Production: Sheep breeds, shearing, grading, classing, yield.
• Processing: Scouring, carding, combing, spinning, weaving/knitting, finishing.
• Properties: Hygroscopicity (absorbs 30% weight), thermal insulation, flame resistance, elasticity, felting.
• Applications: Apparel, carpets, upholstery, technical textiles (composites, filtration, medical).

Related Terms

• Eriometer: Instrument for measuring wool fiber diameter.
• Eriophyte: Wool-eating organism (e.g., clothes moth larvae).

Modern Context

Eriology intersects with textile engineering, materials science, and sustainable agriculture (regenerative grazing, low-impact processing).