Unter Schafen: Wollfett im Textildesign

Among Sheep’ explores the potential of the natural combination of wool fibres and wool fat in a technical, health-promoting textile. The material development 'FatPad' deals with the design of possible applications of a greasy wool felt in the treatment of inflamed skin. Due to globalized production processes, european wool and its wool fat have become unused waste materials that are produced annually. Recent design developments are mainly dealing with utilizing the wool fibers. The primary research question of the thesis is whether wool grease has health-promoting potential in the field of textile and product design and to assess potential applications for raw wool fat in design. The 'FatPad' is a greasy material made from the natural combination of wool fibers and wool fat. It promotes skin regeneration and protects the skin from drying out. The fat-fiber composite is applied as an insert in products with direct skin contact and aims to assist in the treatment of skin irritations and mild-moderate eczema. The industrially and seamlessly knitted sleeve is designed to meet the needs of atopic dermatitis patients and serves as scratch protection. The FatPad is located at the crook of the elbow, and with consistent, gentle pressure, the itching subsides