COTTON is a unicellular, natural fiber composed of almost pure cellulose. As taken from plants, the fiber is found in lengths of 3/8 to 2 inches.

cotton

cotton is an important cash crop in more than 80 countries

the major producers in the world are:•China—32.0%•India—21.8%•USA—12.2%•Pakistan—7.8%•Brazil—5.7%

in 2007 worldwide, 113 million bales (480 lbs/bale)

Light to dark cream.

SHADESColored cottons also have following shades

Greens Blue Rust

Each cotton fiber is composed of concentric Each cotton fiber is composed of concentric layers. The cuticle layer on the fiber itself is layers. The cuticle layer on the fiber itself is separable from the fiber and consists of wax separable from the fiber and consists of wax and pectin materials. and pectin materials.

•Primary WallPrimary Wall•Secondary WallSecondary Wall•Lumen Lumen

COTTON

Cellulose 80-90%

Water 6-8%

Waxes and fats 0.5 - 1%

Proteins 0 - 1.5%

Hemicelluloses 4 - 6%

Ash 1 - 1.8%

• Comfortable Soft hand • Good absorbency • Color retention • Prints well • Machine-washable • Dry-cleanable • Good strength • Drapes well • Easy to handle and sew

PROCESS GINNING

CULTIVATE

WEAVE SPIN

ENDUSE

CU

LT

IVA

TIO

N R

EQ

UIR

EM

EN

TS

A long growing seasonA long growing season

Plenty of sunshinePlenty of sunshine

Water during the period of growthWater during the period of growth

Dry weather for harvestDry weather for harvest

In general, these conditions are met In general, these conditions are met within tropical and warm subtropical within tropical and warm subtropical

latitudes in the northern and latitudes in the northern and southern hemispheressouthern hemispheres..

Modern gins place modules in front of machines called MODULE FEEDERS.

It break the modules apart and “feed” the seed cotton into the gin.

Some gins use powerful

pipes to suck the cotton

into the gin building.

Once in the cotton gin, the seed cotton moves through dryers and through cleaning machines.

It remove the gin waste such as Burs Dirt Stems Leaf Material.

• FIBER LENGTH • LENGTH UNIFORMITY • FIBER STRENGTH • MICRONAIRE • COLOR

FIBER LENGTH

Fiber length is described as “The average length of the longer one-half of the fibers (upper half mean length)“..

FIBER STRENGTH Fiber strength is measured in grams per

denier. It is determined as the force necessary to break the beard of fibers, clamped in two sets of jaws.

The breaking strength of cotton is about 3.0~4.9 g/denier.

The breaking elongation is about 8~10%.

MICRONAIRE Micronaire measurements reflect fiber fineness and

maturity. A constant mass (2.34 grams) of cotton fibers is

compressed into a space of known volume and air permeability measurements of this compressed sample are taken. These, when converted to appropriate number, denote Micronaire values.

COTTON RANGECOTTON RANGE MICRONAIRE READINGMICRONAIRE READING

PremiumPremium 3.7-4.23.7-4.2

Base RangeBase Range 4.3-4.94.3-4.9

Discount RangeDiscount Range >5.0>5.0

COLOR The color of cotton samples is determined from two

parameters: Degree of reflectance (Rd) Yellowness (+b)

The color of the fibers is affected by climatic conditions, impact of insects and fungi, type of soil, storage conditions etc.

There is five recognized groups of color:WhiteGraySpotted Tinged Yellow stained

• SWELLING

• ATTACK OF ACIDS & BASES

• OXIDATION & HYDROLYSIS

SWELLINGCotton swells in a HIGH HUMIDITY

environment, in WATER and in concentrated solutions of certain ACIDS, SALTS and BASES. The swelling effect is usually attributed to the sorption of highly hydrated ions. and the moisture absorption is 7~8%

The moisture regain for cotton is about 7.1~8.5%The moisture regain for cotton is about 7.1~8.5%

Moisture absorption for cotton is 7~8%Moisture absorption for cotton is 7~8%

ATTACK OF ACIDS AND BASES Cotton is attacked by HOT DILUTE or

COLD CONCENTRATED ACID solutions. Acid hydrolysis of cellulose produces hydro-celluloses. Cold weak acids do not affect it.

The fibers show excellent RESISTANCE TO ALKALIS.

There are a few other SOLVENTS that will DISSOLVE COTTON completely.

identification of cotton

microscopic identification of cotton is relatively easy—convolutions are easily seen along the fiber

burn tests verify cellulose

fiber length helps identify content

cotton is soluble is sulfuric acid

properties of cotton—care

cotton can be washed with strong detergents and requires no special care during washing and drying

white cottons can be washed in hot water—dyed cottons retain their color better if washed in warm water

cotton releases most soils readily but soil-resistant finishes are desirable for some interior & apparel uses

excessive bleaching weakens cellulosic fibers

cotton fabrics respond best to steam pressing or ironing while damp—can be ironed safely at high temperatures

properties of cotton—care

cotton draperies should be dry-cleaned

cotton upholstery may be steam-cleaned with caution

cottons should be stored clean and dry

cotton is harmed by acids—fruit & fruit juice stains should be treated promptly

cotton oxidizes in sunlight which causes yellowing and degradation—some dyes are especially sensitive

APPAREL Wide range of wearing

apparel:

Shirts Dresses Children wear Active wear Blouses Separates Swimwear

Suits Jackets Skirts Pants Sweaters Hosiery Neckwear

Home Fashion Curtains Draperies Bedspreads Comforters Throws Sheets Towels Table Cloths Table Mats Napkins

NON-WOVENS Swabs Puffs Wipes Filters WeddingsPersonal care products Diapers Feminine Hygiene

productsSemi-durable Segments Bedding Household furnishing Pillow fillers