Merino tends not to accumulate static electricity because it is a good conductor, a characteristic that increases with moisture content.

Static electricity generation

Static electricity is generated when two dissimilar materials are rubbed together, creating differential charging between the layers. The resultant charge is only a problem if it cannot leak away or discharge itself by conduction to earth.

A better conductor than synthetics

Merino’s good natural conductivity increases as the moisture content rises. Synthetics on the other hand tend to be poor natural conductors, a characteristic not helped by their negligible capacity to absorb moisture. Consequently, static electricity is more efficiently dissipated by Merino than by synthetics (Fig 1).

Benefits of conductivity

Merino’s ability to dissipate static electricity means that wool garments tend not to attract lint and fluff, and the garment cling for which synthetics are notorious is uncommon with Merino, enhancing the fabric’s drape and comfort. It also means that after walking across a wool carpet, you are less likely to receive a shock when you touch a grounded object.

Safety issues

In some situations (e.g. where a spark can cause fire or explosion, or can damage electronic goods), high levels of static charge on clothing can be potentially hazardous, making Merino a safer choice than synthetics for work wear in many occupations.

Summary

Merino’s natural conductivity, enhanced by its ability to absorb moisture vapour, means it is much better at dissipating static electricity than synthetics. This means Merino is less likely to attract lint, cling uncomfortably, or generate a dangerous spark in potentially explosive environments.

Sources

• CSIRO, “Electrostatic properties and noise absorption properties”
• International Nonwovens Journal, Winter 2003.
• ‘Meeting the Challenge of Healthy, Green and Colorful Carpets’. Peter Ingham  and Steve McNeil, 16th Int. Symposium of SDCANZ, Melbourne, October 2000.
• ‘Wool – Nature’s Wonder Fibre’. John D. Leeder. Australasian Textile Publishers and J.D. Leeder, 1984.
• ‘Wool’. Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Technology, Vol. 15. John Wilet & Sons, Inc.

All figures and tables courtesy of CSIRO unless otherwise noted.