Worldwide surpluses of wool have depressed the price of wool and nearly eliminated the wool market, especially for the small medium sheep meat producer. These producers have large quantities of surplus wool, an unwanted by-product, which creates a waste disposal problem. The purpose of this project is to create a new value-added product with commercial potential using raw wool, a renewable resource, in the production of a soil erosion control mat. Production of such a product will offer an ecomonic, sustainable, environmentally superior performing altrnative for use by the homeowner, farmer, contractor, transportation agency and public utility. OBJECTIVES: The proposed research is to investigate the technical feasibility of manuacturing a low-cost wool-based soil erosion control mat. Prior research demonstrated that use of raw wool to control soil erosion is as effective, or superior to the commonly used straw mulch. This research will focus on development of a cost efficient manufacturing technology to process raw, greasy wool for use as a soil erosion control mat suitable for commercial use. No technology currently exists to manufacture a product of this type. The research will establish: Proper machine reconfiguration, set-up of prototype production line, optimum backing substance for application and productiion requirements, and additionally, the research will examine the most effective shape and weight of this new end product that will meet market demands. APPROACH: Under the guidance of consultants from the wool industry and the University of Vermont Extension, the PI will purchase existing wool processing equipment. This equipment will be reconfigured, if necessary, to accept raw wool and spread it into a thin mat integral to the proposed end product. The basic machines for production use will include 'feeders' that separate and open raw wool to spread the fiber out and a 'picker' that will pull the wool into a homogenous form. A production line will be established, production costs determined in transitioning from initial product design and manufacturing process to a viable commercial prototype
