Llama Fibre
Zoological Information
- Llama (Llama Glama)is a camelid native to South America and are also found in USA and Canada.
- It belongs to the Camelidae family like other camelids namely guanacos, vicuñas, and alpacas.
- But it is known for being the largest of all the four camelids and friendly nature.
- Llamas are domesticated from the wild guanacos which are sometimes fierce.
- They are also known as ‘camels of clouds’, ‘Peruvian sheep’, and ’silent brother’.
- There are two types of llamas, one of which is a light-fleeced animal known as Kcara, mainly used to carry loads, and the other, Chaku, is used for its heavy fleece/hair.
- These camelids mostly live for 15-25 years, but some survive for 30 years or more.
Habitat and Fibre production
- Llamas are primarily found in Andean plateaus and mountains in the South American region, mainly in Peru and Bolivia.
- These herbivores mainly depend on the plants and vegetation in the surrounding area for their growth.
- These social and gregarious animals are sheared after every two years.
- It consists of a double coat, the outer coarse guard hair, and a finer and softer undercoat.
- The annual production of greasy fleece ranges from 2500-3300 tons, with 85-90% of grease-free hair.
- The annual production of the llama fibre is from 2500-2700 tons and the yield per animal is around 2-5kgs.
Table 1. Physical & mechanical properties and chemical composition of areca nut fibres
Physical and Mechanical properties
Fibre Length
80-250mm
Fibre Diameter
19-30µm
When heated at 150oC for 60min, of the original value
Breaking strength
70.22%
Elongation at break
84.29%
The thermal shrinkage rate
In dry hot air
1.35%
In boiling water
1.29%
Chemical composition
High Sulfur content
It lacks natural oils and thus
No Lanolin is present
Features of the fibre
- The fibre obtained from the llamas is very soft and light in weight.
- Llama hair fibre is fine, warm, and strong.
- Due to the absence of natural oils, one can directly obtain spinnable fibre straight out of the animal.
- It is lanolin-free, a waxy substance present to condition and protect the hair.
- The garments or made-ups are comfortable to wear and skin-friendly.
- The fibres are naturally available in 22 different colors such as white, silver-white, black, dark brown, natural brown, reddish brown, gray, cinnamon, etc..
- It has good affinity towards dyes but is sensitive to chemicals.
- It has little to no elasticity but acts as a good insulator is stain-resistant and piling resistant.
- The moths can easily attack it and are less resistant to the sunlight.
- The products made out of llama fibre the body moistures and odors.
- It can be cleaned easily under moderate conditions.
Uses
- The llama hair fibres are usually used winterwear such as blankets, scarves, vests, jackets, outer clothing, ponchos, etc.
- It is also used to make ropes, fish flies, and batting for quilts.
- The guard hairs are generally used for wall hangings, rugs, felts, etc.
- Llama fibres are used in pure or blended form for producing knitwear and woven fabrics.
