Animal Fiber Analysis Using Imaging Techniques

Abstract

The assessment of fiber scale height is known to be a key ingredient in animal fiber analysis, particularly when quantifying speciality fiber/wool blends. This paper ex plores the potential role of imaging techniques in scale height measurement. High magnification fiber images are captured from a SEM, and imaging techniques are applied and critically evaluated. A systematic, semi-automatic image capture, pro cessing, and analysis approach enables measurement of scale height and scale pattern features for two specific animal fiber types and the creation of information databases. Linear discriminant statistical techniques allow assessment of database integrity and the implementation of "unknown" fiber classification strategies. Adding scale height data to scale pattern data improves database integrity and permits correct classification of a larger proportion of "unknowns."