Evaluation of the German Angora Rabbit Fiber Produced in the Northeast Region of India

The physical and mechanical properties of German Angora rabbit fiber obtained from the Northeast region of India were studied. The fiber fineness, staple length, diameter, and medullation of the overall fleece of the rabbit were 0.22 ± 0.04 tex, 09.10 ± 2.21 cm, 23.5 ± 1.04 µm, and 85.46 ± 1.23%, respectively. The cross-sectional shape was found elliptical to oval, and the average tenacity, breaking elongation, specific work of rupture, and initial modulus were 24.78 ± 11.48 cN/tex, 28.78 ± 09.06%, 3.46 ± 2.31cN/tex, and 1065.13 ± 826.67 cN/tex, respectively. The whiteness index average ash and moisture content were 61.24 ± 2.32, 1.36 ± 0.12, and 10.43 ± 0.57%, respectively. Three blend ratios of Angora rabbit fiber and viscose fiber (50:50, 25:75, and 0:100) were used to make yarns having 55 tex, 86 tex, and 97 tex linear density from each blend. Tenacity and breaking elongation significantly (p = .00) increased with an increase in the rabbit fiber composition in the blend and was maximum at the 50:50 blend (7.79 ± 1.92 cN/tex and 7.64 ± 1.70%, respectively). Yarn diameter increased with the increase in yarn count. With the decrease in the rabbit fiber composition from 50% to 25% in the yarn, the friction coefficient increased and the abrasion resistance decreased significantly (p = .00).