Physical Properties of Cotton Fiber | End Uses of Cotton Fiber

Cotton Fiber:

Among the seed and fruit fibers, cotton has grown in stature as the most important textile fiber in the world. In fact, cotton is the backbone and basic foundation of the world’s textile trade and industry. Cotton is a natural vegetable fiber produced in the cotton plant in many countries of the world even in Bangladesh also. 

Properties of Cotton Fibres:

Properties of cotton fiber can be divided into two parts, one is according to physical structure and another is using process.

A. According to physical structure:

Length of cotton fiber:
Physically the individual cotton fibers consist of a single long tubular cell. Its length is about 1200-1500 times than its breadth. Length of cotton fiber varies from 16mm to 52 mm depending upon the type of cotton.

1. Indian cotton- 16-25 mm
2. American cotton- 20-30 mm
3. Sea Island- 38-52 mm
4. Egyptian cotton- 30-38 mm

Fineness of cotton fiber:
Longer the fiber, finer the fiber in case of cotton fiber. It is expressed in term of decitex and it varies from 1.1 to2.3 decitex.

1. Indian= 2.2-2.3dtex
2. American= 2.1-2.2 dtex
3. Egyptian= 1.2-1.8 dtex
4. Sea Island= 1.0-1.1 dtex

Fineness may be more in case of immature fiber. So it is necessary to express maturity with fineness.

Strength and extension of cotton fiber:
Cotton fiber is fairly among natural fibers in relation to tenacity which is 3-3.5g/dtex. Its tensile strength is between wool and silk fiber but disadvantage is low extension at break which is 5-7%.

Elastic properties of cotton:
Recovery from deformation of cotton fiber, yarn or fabric from applied load is very low. By applying heat it can’t be achieved. This property can be achieved by -1.Chemical treatment to improve crease recovery, but the problem is the materials become harsher due to chemical treatment 2. blending or mixing of cotton with elastic fiber, e.g. polyester, blend ratio depends on the end use of the fabric. The initial modulus is fairly high=0
5 g/dtex (wool=0.25 g/dtex)

Cross-section:
Cross-section of cotton fiber is some what ribbon like. The cell wall is rather thin and the lumen occupies about two-third of the entire breadth and shows up very prominent in polarized light. Fiber cross-section becomes round when mercerized.

Appearance:
Cotton fiber is fairly short, fine and creamy white color. Color of the fiber depends on soil of growth. By adding chemicals in the soil, color of the cotton fiber may be varied.

Crimp:
Cotton fiber is more or less twisted on its longitudinal axis which cab not be seen from out side is called convolution. The twist in the fiber does not to be continuous in one direction i.e. if at first right direction, then left direction. This property of cotton fiber helps in spinning.

B. According to using process:

Comfortable: 

Cotton fiber has large amorphous portion and this is why the air can be in and out through cotton fiber. So, the fabric made by cotton fiber is quite comfortable to use. 

Soft Hand: 

 Cotton fiber is too much regular fiber and if properly ginned; this fiber can be the best soft hand feeling fiber amongst the others. 

Absorbent: 

Cotton fiber has high absorbency power and this is why this fiber can be died properly and without any harassment. 

Good Color Retention: 

If the printing is applied on cotton fiber, it seems it doesn’t spread the color outside the design. So printing efficiency is good on cotton fiber. 

Machine Washable & Dry Cleanable: 

It is seen that some fibers can’t be dried or washed due to it’s sensitivity and weak fastness properties but in case of Cotton fiber you will have large number of options to choose. You can easily wash the cotton made fabric by machines and even you will be able to dry this fiber by using electronic drier. 

Good Strength: 

If you want to seek an average strength which might be enough for you; then cotton fiber can be your ultimate choice. The strength of cotton fiber is quite good. 

Cotton Fiber Drapes Well: 

The drape-ability of cotton fiber is awesome. You can use the cotton fiber made fabric in any kind of wear which needs more flexibility and drapes. 

Sewing & Handling Is Easy: 

 The sewing efficiency on Cotton made fabric is easier and comfortable than other fiber. This is why the demand of cotton made fabric is higher in all over the world. 

Uses of Cotton Fiber: 

Cotton fiber is a versatile fiber which has wide variety of uses. But the Cotton fiber is mostly used on the Apparel Industry to make the wearing cloth like Sweaters, Skirts, Shirts, Swimwear, Kids wear, Blouses, Pants, Hosiery and to make other type of dresses.