Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy - Measuring Grease in Wool
What is NIR used for?
- NIR is used to measure the amount of residual grease in a sample of wool, after it has been scoured and dried.
- The amount of residual grease in a sample is used in the calculation of the Wool Base.
How does it work?
- Grease molecules have the ability to absorb light in a unique way.
- NIR light is shone on a sample.
- The amount of light absorbed by the grease is measured by the NIR machine. More grease means more light absorbed.
- Using a calibration, the exact amount of grease in the sample can then be determined.
NIR light shone on wool sample
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Light is absorbed
by grease in wool sample
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Advantages over wet chemistry
- Traditionally, residual grease is obtained using wet chemistry techniques involving a Soxhlet extractor.
- This method is slow and involves hazardous chemicals.
- NIR analysis is fast and does not require any chemicals.
- This helps keep testing costs down.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Ian Ashman
General Manager – Raw Wool
AWTA Ltd
Phone: 03 9371 2101
Fax: 03 9371 2190
Email: ian.ashman@awta.com.au