Thermal properties of cashmere by DSC and TMA

This paper investigates the melting behavior of alpha - form crystallites of original and steamed cashmere in comparison with that of superfine Merino wool by DSC. At the same time, the changes in length of cashmere yarns with increasing temperature have been also measured under different tensile stresses of 0.01, 0.05, 6 and 200MPa respectively and "compressive stress" of 6MPa by TMA. The TMA Curves show that original cashmere yam contracts at 219 degrees C and abruptly extends at 230 degrees C, which result from the Structural changes of cashmere fiber itself due to effect of heat and are associated with external constant loads. The contraction of the cashmere yarn at 219 degrees C does not appear and the abrupt extension occurs at lower temperature if the applied tensile load is enough high.