Tensile properties of hair fibres obtained from different breeds of pigs

A key by-product of pig farming is the hair or bristle fibres obtained at the time of slaughter. Data on physical properties of pig hair fibres is sparse, restricting its diversified industrial application. A study was conducted to analyse the variations in the tensile properties of the pig hair fibres with respect to breed (Ghungroo, Ninag Megha, Hampshire and Duroc) and location on the body. The mean density of fibres in the body surface of pigs was between 0.079 and 0.154 per mm(2). The fineness of fibres ranged between 29.1 and 124.2 tex. The mean tensile strength of the pig hair fibre was 14.05 cN tex(-1). The average extensibility and Young's modulus of the pig hair fibre was 31.53% and 6.39 +/- 0.19 GPa respectively. The maximum load at rupture of the hair fibres varied from 9.2 to 13.8 N. The overall mean work of rupture and flexural rigidity of the hair fibre was 3.61 x 10(-2) Jm(-1) tex(-1) and 1059 +/- 321 mN mm(2) mm(-1) respectively. The coefficient of static friction of the hair fibres was similar among the different breeds of pigs, irrespective of their location on the animal's body. Some variations in the physical properties of pig hair fibres with respect to breed and/location could be observed. In general, the physical and tensile properties of the fibres were similar to other natural fibres of animal origin and they may find use in the manufacture of diverse, environment friendly products. (C) 2014 IAgrE. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.