Poly propylene

Specific Gravity
0.90 0.91 gm/cm3
Because of its low specific gravity, polypropylene yields the greatest volume of fibre for
a given weight. This high yield means that polypropylene fibre provides good bulk and
cover, while being lighter in weight. Polypropylene is the lightest of all fibres and is
lighter than water. It is 34% lighter than polyester and 20% lighter than nylon. It provides
more bulk and warmth for less weight

Thermal Conductivity
Lowest thermal conductivity of any natural or synthetic fibre (6.0 compared to 7.3 for
wool, 11.2 for viscose and 17.5 for cotton). Polypropylene fibres retain more heat for a
longer period of time, have excellent insulative properties in apparel, and combined with
its hydrophobic nature keeps wearer dry and warm. Warmer than wool.
The thermal conductivity of various fibres is shown in Figure 3.

Anti-Static Behaviour
The generation of static electricity on textiles is a complex and, to some extent, a
subjective problem. Practical experience shows that polypropylene does not exhibit a
static behavior in most normal circumstance and if a problem does occur it can easily be
controlled by the use of normal textile anti-static treatments during processing. Anti-
static agents can also be incorporated in the polymer to reduce static build up.

Resistant to Bacteria and Micro-organisms
Like other synthetic fibres nylon, acrylic and polyester polypropylene fibres are not
attacked by bacteria or micro-organisms; they are also moth-proof and rot-proof and are
inherently resistant to the growth of mildew and mold.

Environmental Effect
Recyclable, ecologically friendly. Incinerates to trace ash with no hazardous volatiles.

Effect of Heat
The melting point of polypropylene is about 165C and while it does not have a true
softening point temperature, the maximum processing temperature of the fibre is
approximately 140C. Prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures will cause
degradation of the fibre, but anti-oxidants are incorporated in polypropylene fibres to
protect them during processing and at normal service temperatures.
Wool, cotton, acrylic and viscose rayon fibres do not melt although they are tendered
to varying degrees by exposure to high temperatures. Nylon and polyester are
thermoplastics that have maximum processing temperatures in excess of 220C. Thus
polypropylene has the lowest softening point of all these materials. Nevertheless, this
temperature is sufficiently high to enable the fibre to be processed satisfactorily in
almost all normal manufacturing processes. The lower softening temperature is of little
consequence in service except that, when ironing, it is necessary to control the
temperature so as not to exceed 120C.
The shrinkage of polypropylene fibre is controlled by its manufacturing conditions. At
textile processing temperatures, which do not normally exceed 130C., the shrinkage
varies between 2.5% to 5%, but figures as high as 30% can be obtained, or by
conditioning the fibre or yarn, as low as 0.5%
Effect of Extreme Cold
Remains flexible at temperatures in the region of -55C.
Flammability
Polypropylene fibre burns and presents much the same risks as most other man-made
textile fibres. It is difficult to ignite, and is defined as combustible but not highly
inflammable. It can, however, be rendered flame-retardant by the incorporation of
additives.


Water Absorption
The water absorption of polypropylene fibre is about 0.3% after 24 hours immersion in
water, and thus its regain the amount of water absorbed in a humid atmosphere is
virtually nil (0.05% at 65% RH, 21 C.)
The regain of various fibres is shown in Figure 4.
Effects on Strength
Water has no effect on the strength of polypropylene fibres, whereas cotton increases in
strength when wet and the strength of viscose rayon falls quite markedly when wet.
The tenacities of various fibres are compared in Table 1.
Dimensional Stability
Because polypropylene fibres absorb hardly any moisture their dimensions do not alter
with changing humidity or when they become wet. In this respect they are superior to all
other fibres, although polyester is another fibre little affected by moisture.
Resistant to Staining
Because of their extremely low water absorption, polypropylene fibres resist water-
borne stains better than any other fibres. And since the fibre does not accumulate static
though friction during use, it does not attract as much dirt or dust as other man-made
fibres.
Quick Drying
Polypropylene is hydrophobic and will not absorb water in the fibre. Water wicks away
from the skin and through the fabric to the face for quick evaporation.
Colour Properties
Fade-resistant. Polypropylene is dope-dyed (melt-dyed), which is the most colourfast
of any colouring methods, and produces fibres and yarns that are colourfast, washfast,
lightfast and fade-resistant. The colour is incorporated within the fibre itself.
Resistance to Sunlight
Strength, colour fastness and degradation can be effectively protected by means of
stabilizers.
Effect on Strength
Ultraviolet (UV) absorbers and stabilizers are incorporated in polypropylene fibres to
give them the required degree of UV resistance and stability. All fibres are degraded by
sunlight, the effect varying with their physical form. Polypropylene fibres that are not
stabilized against UV light will lose strength on exposure to sunlight, but the stabilizing
systems commonly used in polypropylene fibres impart a degree of UV resistance
suitable for most applications.
Colour Fastness
The normal method of colouring other fibres is by dyeing. The minimum colour fastness
rating required for fibres in many applications is 4 5 (BS 1006) and ratings in the
range of 4 6 are normal. However, polypropylene fibre is coloured during production
by pigmentation often called dope dyeing or melt dyeing. The pigments used for
polypropylene fibres give very good light fastness ratings of 7 and higher.
Dyeability
Since polypropylene molecular chains have no polar functional groups (active sites for
chemical bonds, or dyesites) and relatively high crystallinity (50-65%), dye molecules
cannot be chemically attracted to the fibres. Adsorbed dye molecules which interact with
the fibre surface by weak van der Waals force are easily washed away because of
polypropylenes hydrophobic properties.
However, polypropylene fibre is dope-dyed (spun-dyed) by the manufacturer in virtually
unlimited colour choices.
Chemical and dry-cleaning resistance
Polypropylene has the best resistance of any common fibre to the action of most types
of chemicals and is attacked only by the most aggressive acids and oxidizing agents.
Although this excellent chemical resistance may be needed only infrequently it is of
value in certain industrial applications. However, some chemicals, although not
attacking the polypropylene itself, may destroy the colour. The fibre is unaffected by
most acids, alkalis, and salts.

Effect of Acids
Excellent resistance to most acids except chlorosulphonic and concentrated sulfuric
acid.


Effect of Alkalis
Excellent resistance with the exception of some oxidizing agents.

Effect of Bleaches and Solvents
Excellent resistance. However, chlorinated hydrocarbons cause swelling at room
temperature and dissolve polypropylene at 71 C. and higher.
Certain solvents, particularly halogenated solvents, are absorbed by polypropylene and
swell it. Thus the properties are changed in the presence of the solvent but are regained
when the solvent evaporates. While the fibre is softened by the solvent, shrinkage can
occur if the fibre has not been annealed. This can happen during dry cleaning and
hence it is important that polypropylene fibres, yarns or fabrics, intended for use in
applications where dry cleaning will be used, are heat-annealed to prevent complaints in
service.
Chlorine bleach can be used as a cleaning agent without fading the colour nor
degrading the fabric.
Abrasion resistance
The abrasion resistance of fibres, unlike some other properties such as tenacity or
modulus, is not a fundamental property and hence comparisons between the abrasion
resistance of fibres are only useful if they truly represent performance in the application
in question and are carried out on fabrics of identical construction.
The abrasion resistance of polypropylene approaches that of nylon and is superior to
that of other fibres, and is good even when wet.
Flex
Excellent recovers well from bending. Excellent low temperature flexibility.
Identification
Fibre is identified by fusing, shrinking, and curling away from a flame leaving a hard,
round, dark-coloured bead. Fibre floats on water and is soluble in hot toluene or xylene.



polyester

Tenacity (gpd) High Tenacity Normal Tenacity Staple
Dry 6-7 4.5-5.5 3.5-4
Wet 6-7 4.5-5.5 3.5-4
Elongation (%)
Dry 12.5-7.5 25-15 40-25
Wet 12.5-7.5 25-15 40-25
Density 1.38 1.38 1.38
Moisture Regain

At 65% RH and 70 deg F--> 0.4%

Because of low moisture regain, it develops static charge. Garments of polyester fibres
get soiled easily during wear.

Thermal Properties

Polyester fibres are most thermally stable of all synthetic fibres. As with all thermoplastic
fibres, its tenacity decreases and elongation increases with rise in temperature. When
ignited, polyester fibre burns with difficulty.

Shrinkage

Polyester shrinks approx 7% when immersed in an unrestrained state in boiling water.
Like other textile fibres, polyester fibres undergo degradation when exposed to sunlight.

Its biological resistance is good as it is not a nutrient for microorganisms.

Swelling and Dissolving

The fibre swells in 2% solution of benzoic acid, salycylic acid and phenol.

Alcohols, Ketones, soaps, detergents and drycleaning solvents have no chemical action
on polyester fibres.

Chemical Resistance

Polyester fibres have a high resistance to organic and mineral acids. Weak acids do not
harm even at boil. Similarly strong acids including hydrofluoric acids do not attack the
fibres appreciably in the cold.
Nylon
Nylon 6 has certain advantages over Nylon 6,6,. Firstly the systheisi fo caprolectum is
easier than that of Hexamethylene Diamine and Adipic Acid. Therefore it is cheaper to
make Nylon 6 than Nylon6,6. Secondly Nylon 6 has greater affinity for acid dyes than
Nylon6,6,

Mechanical Properties

Density: 1.14 g/cc
Tenacity: Dry= 4.2-5.8 gpd, Wet=4.0-5.3 gpd
Elongation at Break--> Dry = 24-40, Wet=28-43
Elastic Recovery at 4% extension= 100%
Moisture Regain= 4%
Because of low MR, wet nylon dries quickly.
Melting Point= 215 deg C ( Nylon 66-250 deg C)
It is weakened by prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Chemical Properties

1. It is resistant to most organic acids such as benzene, chloroform, acetone, esters
ethers etc.

2. It dissolves in phenol, cresol and strong mineral acids.

3. good resistant towards alkalies.

4. Resistant to inorganic acids

These fibres are cylinderical in shape, with smooth surfaces and without having any
markings. The fibres are unifrom in diameter and appear round in cross section.

Uses


a. Tyre Cord Manufacturing
b. Fishing Lines
c. Luxury Yachts
d. Stockings with good fit, sheerness, quick washing and drying properties.

Strength

The most outstanding property of nylon is its strength and elasticity. The tenacity varies
from 8.8-4.3 gpd while corresponding elongation at break varies from 18-45%. The wet
strength of nylon is 80-90% of its dry strength and the elongation at break increases by
5-30% on wetting.

Density: 1.14 g/cc

Elastic Recovery

When nylon yarn is stretched 1,2 and 4% with a load of 0.25 gpd for 30 seconds and
then released the recovery after 60 seconds is 38, 63 and 73% respectively.

Moisture Regain

Nylon has a moisture regain of about 4% at 65% RH and 70 deg F.

Action of Light

Like other fibres, nylon undergoes degradation and weakens when exposed to lights.

Appearance

Nylon is dull and semi opaque before cold drawing, but on orientation its lustre is greatly
incresed. Delustering is done by adding TiO2 in the polymerisation mixture.

Action of Heat

Nylon melts at 262 deg C in an atmosphere of Nitrogen and at 250 deg C in air. When a
very hot iron is used for ironing nylon garments, sticking or even fusion may take place.
Therefore ironing should not be done above 180 deg C. Permanent set may be applied
to Nylon by heat setting with 25 psi pressure with saturated steam. The pleats thus set
remian on wearing and washing even in hot water.

Chemical Properties

Nylon is extremely stable chemically. For example dry cleaning solvents, alcohols,
aldehydes, ketones, ethers, hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, soaps and
synthetic detergents and water including sea water do not affect Nylon.

Also it has got a remarkable stability towards alkali.

Biological Properties

Nylon is not a nutrient for Mildew or bacteria and is not eaten up by moth larvae. But
they bite their way up when imprisoned in nylon cloth. It is harmless to human skin.


Uses of Nylon

1. Woven and Knitted Fabrics, especially blends.
2. Conveyor belts, tyre cords, tarpaulines etc.
3. For filling pillows
4. For paper making machine
5. Insulating tapes
6. Hose pipe with rubber or PVC
7. Ropes, fish netting and sail cloth.

viscose

Moisture Absorption


It absorbs more moisture than cotton. Moisture Content of Coton is 6% at 70 deg F and
65% RH, and for Viscose Rayon it is 13% under the same conditions.

Tensile Strength

The Tensile Strength of the fibre is less when the fibre is wet than when dry. It is 1.5-2.4
gpd in the dry state and 0.7-1.2 gpd in the wet state. For high tenacity variety the values
are 3-4.6 gpd and 1.9 to 3.0 gpd.

Elasticity

The elasticity of Viscose Rayon is less than 2-3%. This is very important in handling
viscose yarns during weaving, stentering etc when sudden tensions are applied.

Elongation at Break

Ordinary Viscose rayon has 15-30% elongation at break, whule high tenacity rayon has
only 9-17% elongation at break.

Density

The density of Viscose rayon is 1.53 g/cc. Rayon filaments are available in three
densities: 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5

Action of Heat and Light

At 300 deg F or more, VR loses its strength and begins to decompose at 350-400 deg
F. Prolonged exposure to sunlight also weakens the fibre due to moisture and ultraviolet
light of the sunlight.

Chemical Properties

Viscose rayon consists of cellulose of lower DP than cotton cellulose. Also amorphous
region of Viscose rayon is present to a greater extent, therefore, Viscose rayon reacts
faster than cotton with chemicals. Acids like H2SO4 HCL breaks the cellulose to
hydrocellulose. Oxidising agents like Na(OCl)2, Bleaching powder, K2Cr2O7, KMnO4-
form oxycellulose. Cold acid solutions for a short time do not attack viscose rayon.

Action of Solvents

Textile solvents can be used on Viscose rayon without any deteriorating effect. Viscose
rayon dissolves in cuprammonium hydroxide solution.

Effect of Iron

Contact with iron in the form of ferrous hydroxide weakens viscose rayon yarns.
Therefore staining, marking or touching of rayon to iron or iron surface should be
avoided.
Action of Microorganisms

Microorganisms ( moulds, mildew, fungus, bacteria) affect the colour, strength, dyeing
properties and lustre of rayon. Clean and dry viscose rayon is rarely attacked by moulds
and mildew.

Longitudinal View

The longitudinal view of these fibres show many striations running parallel to the long
axis of the fibre. The cross section of viscose has striated periphery, having many sharp
indentations, and cross sectional contours vary from circular and oval to ribbon-like
forms.

Acrylic

A manufactured fiber in which the fiber-forming substance is any long chain synthetic
polymer composed of at least 85% by weight of acrylonitrile units [-CH2-CH(CN)-] (FTC
definition). Acrylic fibers are produced by two basic methods of spinning (extrusion), dry
and wet. In the dry spinning method, material to be spun is dissolved is a solvent. After
extrusion through the spinneret, the solvent is evaporated, producing continuous
filaments which later may be cut into staple, if desired. In wet spinning, the spinning
solution is extruded into a
liquid coagulating bath to form filaments, which are drawn, dried, and processed.

Acrylic fibers are synthetic fibers made from a polymer (polyacrylonitrile) with an
average molecular weight of ~100,000, about 1900 monomer units. To be called acrylic
in the U.S, the polymer must contain at least 85% acrylonitrile monomer. Typical
comonomers are vinyl acetate or methyl acrylate. The Dupont Corporation created the
first acrylic fibers in 1941 and trademarked them under the name "Orlon".

Raw Material
Acrilonitrile is the main main raw material for the manufacture of acrylic fibres. It is made
by different methods. In one commercial method, hydrogen cyanide is treated with
acetylene:
1st Method
Acetylene + Hydrogen cyanide --> Acrilonitrile

2nd Method
Ethylene--Air Oxidation--> Ethylene oxide + HCN--> Ethylene cyanahydrin--Dehydration
at 300 deg C (catalyst)--> Acrylonitrile


Properties of Acrylic Fibers
1. Acrylic has a warm and dry hand like wool. Its density is 1.17 g/cc as compared to
1.32 g/cc of wool. It is about 30% bulkier than wool. It has about 20% greater insulating
power than wool.
2. Acrylic has a moisture regain of 1.5-2% at 65% RH and 70 deg F.
3. It has a tenacity of 5 gpd in dry state and 4-8 gpd in wet state.
4. Breaking elongation is 15% ( both states)
5. It has a elastic recovery of 85% after 4% extension when the load is released
immediately.
6. It has a good thermal stability. When exposed to temperatures above 175 deg C for
prolonged periods some discolouration takes place.
7. Acrylic shrinks by about 1.5% when treated with boiling water for 30 min.
8. It has a good resistance to mineral acids. The resistance to weak alkalies is fairly
good, while hot strong alkalies rapidly attack acrylic.
9. Moths, Mildew and insects do not attack Acrylic.
10. It has an outstanding stability towards commonly bleaching agents.

Uses of Acrylic Fiber
1. Knit Jersey, Sweater, blankets
2. Wrinkle resistant fabrics.
3. Pile and Fleece fabrics
4. Carpets and rugs.



silk

Silk is one of the popular fabrics for apparel because of its unique properties. Silk is
most luxurious fabric, the most comfortable fabric, the most absorbent of fabrics (equal
to wool), the best fabric for drape, the best fabric for color, capable of the greatest
lustre, having the finest "hand" etc. These are some of the factors which make the fabric
more popular. The fabric is cool in summer and warm in winter.

Composition: The silk fibre is chiefly composed of 80% of fibroin, which is protein in
nature and 20% of sericin, which is otherwise called as silk gum.

Strength: Silk as a fibre, has good tensile strength, which allows it to withstand great
pulling pressure. Silk is the strongest natural fibre and has moderate abrasion
resistance. The strength of the thrown yarns is mainly due to the continuous length of
the fibre. Spun silk yarn though strong is weaker than thrown silk filament yarns.

Elasticity: Silk fibre is an elastic fibre and may be stretched from 1/7 to 1/5 of its
original length before breaking. It tends to return to its original size but gradually loses
little of its elasticity. This would mean that the fabric would be less sagging and less
binding resulting in the wearers comfort.

Resilience: Silk fabrics retain their shape and have moderate resistance to wrinkling.
Fabrics that are made from short staple spun silk have less resilience.

Drapability: Silk has a liability and suppleness that, aided by its elasticity and
resilience, gives it excellent drapability.

Heat Conductivity: Silk is a protein fibre and is a non-conductor of heat similar to that
of wool. This makes silk suitable for winter apparel.

Absorbency: Silk fabrics being protein in nature have good absorbency. The
absorptive capacity of the silk fabric makes comfortable apparel even for warmer
atmosphere. Fabrics made from silk are comfortable in the summer and warm in the
winter. Silk fibre can generally absorb about 11 percent of its weight in moisture, but the
range varies from 10 percent to as much as 30 percent. This property is also a major
factor in silks ability to be printed and dyed easily.

Cleanliness and Washability: Silk fabric does not attract dirt because of its smooth
surface. The dirt, which gathers can be easily removed by washing or dry cleaning. It is
often recommended for the silk garments to be dry-cleaned. Silk fabrics should always
be washed with a mild soap and strong agitation in washing machine should be
avoided. Silk water spot easily, but subsequent washing or dry cleaning will restore
the appearance of the fabric.

Reaction to Bleaches: Silk, like wool, is deteriorated with chlorine bleaches like
sodium hypochlorite. However, mild bleach of hydrogen peroxide or sodium per borate
may be used for silk.

Shrinkage: Silk fabrics are subjected only to normal shrinkage which can be restored
by ironing. Crepe effect fabrics shrink considerably in washing, but careful ironing with a
moderately hot iron will restore the fabric to its original size.

Effect of Heat: Silk is sensitive to heat and begins to decompose at 330 F (165 C).
The silk fabrics thus have to be ironed when damp.

Effect of Light: Silk fabric weakens on exposure to sun light. Raw silks are more
resistant to light than degummed silk.

Resistance to Mildew: Silks will not mildew unless left for sometime in a damp state or
under the extreme conditions of tropical dampness.

Resistance to Insects: Silk may be attacked by the larvae or clothe moths or carpet
beetles.

Reaction to Alkalis: Silk is not as sensitive as wool to alkalis, but it can be damaged if
the concentration and the temperature are high. A mild soap or detergent in lukewarm
water is thus advisable.

Reaction to Acids: Concentrated mineral acids will dissolve silk faster than wool.
Organic acids do not harm silk.

Affinity for Dyes: Silk has good absorbency and thus has good affinity for dyes. Dyed
silk is colourfast under most conditions, but its resistance to light is unsatisfactory.

Resistance to Perspiration: Perspiration and sunlight weakens and yellows silk
fabrics. The silk itself deteriorates and the colour is affected causing staining. Garments
worn next to the skin should be washed or other wise cleaned after each wearing.


wool

Wool fiber is the natural hair grown on sheep and is composed of protein substance
called as keratin. Wool is composed of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and this is the only
animal fiber, which contains sulfur in addition. The wool fibers have crimps or curls,
which create pockets and give the wool a spongy feel and create insulation for the
wearer. The outside surface of the fiber consists of a series of serrated scales, which
overlap each other much like the scales of a fish. Wool is the only fiber with such
serrations which make it possible for the fibers to cling together and produce felt.

Properties of Wool Fiber

The characteristics of Wool fiber or protein fibers are as follows:

They are composed of amino acids.

They have excellent absorbency.

Moisture regain is high.

They tend to be warmer than others.

They have poor resistance to alkalis but good resistance to acids.

They have good elasticity and resiliency.


Classification of Wool

The quality of wool fibers produced is based on the breeding conditions, the weather,
food, general care etc. For example, excessive moisture dries out natural grease.
Similarly the cold weather produces harder and heavier fibers. The wool could be
classified in two different ways:




By sheep from which it is obtained

By fleece



Classification by Sheep

The wool is classified according to the sheep from which it is sheared as given below:

Merino Wool: Merino sheep originated in Spain yields the best quality wool.
These fibers are strong, fine and elastic fiber which is relatively short, ranging from 1
to 5 inches (25 125 mm).
Among the different wool fibers, merino wool has the greatest amount of crimp and
has maximum number of scales. These two factors contribute to its superior warmth
and spinning qualities.
Merino is used for the best types of wool clothing.

Class Two Wool: This class of sheep originates from England, Scotland, Ireland and
Wales.
The fibers are comparatively strong, fine, and elastic and range from
2 to 8 inches (50 200mm) in length.
They have a large number of scales per inch and have good crimp.

Class Three Wool: This class of sheep originates from United Kingdom.
The fibers are coarser and have fewer scales and less crimp when compared to earlier
varieties of wool fibers and are about 4 to 18 inches long.
They are smoother, and are more lustrous.
These wool are less elastic and resilient.
They are of good quality, used for clothing.

Class Four Wool: This class is a group of mongrel sheep sometimes referred to as
half-breeds.
The fibers are abour 1 to 16 inches (25 400 mm) long, are coarse and hair like, and
have relatively few scales and little crimp.
The fibers are smoother and more lustrous.
This wool is less desirable, with the least elasticity and strength. It is used mainly for
carpets, rugs, and inexpensive low-grade clothing.



Classification by Fleece

Shearing, is the process by which the woolen fleece of a sheep is removed. Sheep are
generally shorn of their fleeces in the spring, but the time of shearing varies in different
parts of the world. Sheep are not washed before shearing. They are sometimes dipped
into an antiseptic bath as prescribed by law. The classification by fleece is as follows:

Lambs Wool: The fleece obtained by shearing the lamb of six to eight months old for
the first time is known as lambs wool. It is also referred to as fleece wool, or first clip.
As the fiber has not been cut, it has a natural, tapered end that gives it a softer feel.

Hogget Wool: Hogget wool is the one obtained from sheep about twelve to fourteen
months old that have not been previously shorn. The fiber is fine, soft, resilient, and
mature, and has tapered ends. These are primarily used for warp yarns.

Wether Wool: Wether wool is the one obtained from the sheep older than fourteen
months. The shearing is not done for the first time and in fact these fleeces are obtained
after the first shearing. These fleeces contain much soil and dirt.

Pulled Wool: Pulled wool is taken from animals originally slaughtered for meat. The
wool is pulled from the pelt of the slaughtered sheep using various chemicals. The
fibers of pulled wool are of low quality and produce a low-grade cloth.

Dead Wool: This is the wool obtained from the sheep that have died of age or
accidentally killed. This type of wool fiber known should not be confused for pulled wool.
Dead wool fiber is decidedly inferior in grade; it is used in low-grade cloth.

Cotty Wool: This type of wool is obtained from the sheep that are exposed to severe
weather. As discussed; the severe weather conditions hamper the qualities of the fleece
obtained. The cotty wool is of a poor grade and is hard and brittle.

Tag locks: The torn, ragged, or discolored parts of a fleece are known as tag locks.
These are usually sold separately as an inferior grade of wool.

Cotton

Cotton Fiber:
Among the seed and fruit fibres, cotton has grown in stature as the most important
textile fibre in the world. In fact, cotton is the backbone and basic foundation of the
worlds textile trade and industry. Cotton is a natural vegetable fibre 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 fibres consist of a single long tubular cell. Its length is
about 1200-1500 times than its breadth. Length of cotton fibre 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 fibre, finer the fibre in case of cotton fibre. 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 fibre. So it is necessary to express maturity
with fineness.

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

Elastic properties of cotton:
Recovery from deformation of cotton fibre, yarn or fabric from applied load is very low.
By applying heat it cant 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 fibre, 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 fibre 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. Fibre cross-section becomes round when mercerized.

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

Crimp:
Cotton fibre is more or less twisted on its longitudinal axis which cab not be seen from
out side is called convolution. The twist in the fibre does not to be continuous in one
direction i.e. if at first right direction, then left direction. This property of cotton fibre
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 fibre can be the best
soft hand feeling fibre 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 doesnt spread the color outside the
design. So printing efficiency is good on cotton fibre.

Machine Washable & Dry Cleanable:
It is seen that some fibers cant be dried or washed due to its 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 Fibre Drapes Well:
The drape-ability of cotton fibre is awesome. You can use the cotton fibre 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 fibre which has wide variety of uses. But the Cotton fibre 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.