Chemical Processing

The chemical laboratory is well equipped for all the laboratory dyeing & finishing treatments and chemical testing of wool and blends.

1. Enzyme- oriented solutions in eco-friendly processing for :
   a) Wool Scouring/Bleaching/Dyeing/Finishing
   b) Degumming/dyeing of silk
   c) Dyeing of natural fiber blends of wool, silk & cotton.


2. Methods to improve dyeing:
   a) Wool, in the application of chrome dyes
   b) Wool/cotton single-bath process for solid shades.


3. Consultancy:
   a) M/s Sided Colourchem in application & improved properties of metal-free reactive dyes on wool
   b) Bhuttico Weavers Society (Kullu) to set up a dyeing & finishing facility center for shawls, and other woollens made from wool/Angora & pashmina.


4. Completed Assignments:
   a) UNDP assisted project on promotion of natural dyes in the decentralised sector.
   b) Training programmes for dyeing in the carpet, shawl and namda belts of the country
   c) Consultancy in setting up mini-scouring facilities for wool growing areas in different states like Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir
   d) Consultancy to Dharamsi Morarji Chemicals in developing dyeing auxiliaries.

Optimize processing parameters for Erisilk/wool yarns on the worsted system to develop value-added products.

Degummed eri silk cocoon was processed (carding to final yarn on worsted and other systems). After analyzing the results of the yarn parameters, bulk trials were conducted for yarn preparation. The products like tweeds, shawls, knitwear, lohies, and suitings were developed at WRA with promising results.

Develop suitable machinery for spinning eri silk and its blends for cottage industry.

After studying the results of initial and bulk trials, a miniature computer-controlled flexible spinning system was developed. The trials were conducted using various blends of wool and silk on this machine to get the final product.

The various products have been assessed for performance with promising results.

R & D on value addition to Deccani wool

WRA has done the R & D component work relating to making blends from Deccani wool, after making a survey of different types of wool being grown in the state of Karnataka with non-component fiber like PET, nylon etc. so that products of better quality with value addition can be made. After making necessary trials at WRA, we have come to the conclusion that the design & fabrication of a six-spindle ring spinning frame with a 4-over-4 drafting system would help to spin the blended fiber in the form of sliver to at least 6-8 Nm (count). This is to take up the quality of Deccani wool from kambal yarn to Lohi and shawl type fabrics & furnishings. The design & drawings are ready with WRA and most likely to be submitted to CWDB shortly for financial support to go ahead in the matter along with the implementation of a mechanical processing facility at KSWDC for deccani wool.