natural cellulosic fibers (COTTON)

steps of cotton production

grows on bushes where seed pods form bolls. harvested after boll matures. ginning removes seeds from fiber. grading by length, diameter, uniformity, color, foreign matter

physical structure of cotton

staple length. long fibers = higher quality. 2D crimp. natural creamy white.

surface contour of cotton

ribbon-like twists. convolutions give the longitudinal shape its cohesiveness

cross sectional shape of cotton

kidney bean

chemical composition and molecular arrangement of cotton

99% cellulose. altered using chemical treatments or finishes using mercerization

mercerization

process applied to cotton fibers to alter cross sectional shape to increase luster and dyeability

performance of cotton

comfort, durability (strong when wet), and easy care

aesthetic of cotton

matte luster

appearance retention of cotton

moderate. poor resiliency (wrinkles), moderate elasticity and elongation, shrinkage unless blended w/ polyester or has durable-preess finish

how to care for cotton

machine wash and dry. safe w/ bleach. harmed by acids, mildew, sunlight

colored cotton

shorter, weaker, less absorbent, less uniform in diameter and length than regular cotton. built-in resistance to pests, dry soils

sustainability of cotton

renewable resource. extensive use of chemicals. water intensive crop. soil tilled creating erosion. GM. race to the bottom

organic cotton

follows state fiber-certification standards. no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers are used

transition cotton

produced on land where organic farming is practiced but not met 3 yrs

green cotton

washed w/ natural-based soaps and no bleach

conventional cotton

describes other cottons

identification for cotton

microscopic has convolutions along fiber length. burn test verifies cellulose (grey feather ash residue). visual fiber length. solution soluble in strong mineral acids such as sulfuric

uses of cotton

apparel and interiors. 100% cotton and blends. towels b/c of absorbency. comfort in sheets. blended w/ polyester to increase durability and appearance retention. medical and surgical has tolerance for high temps and chlorine bleach to sanitize

ELS cotton

extra long stable cotton. finer (more soft) and longer (strong) fibers. produced in smaller quantities. handpicked to prevent damage by harvesting equipment. expensive.

sea island cotton

ultra premium ELS cotton. west indian variety is grown in Carribean

egyptian cotton

grown in Nile River. giza cotton is superior in fineness, luster, and softness

pima cotton

grown in US, Australia, Peru, and Israel. supima cotton is trademark guaranteed that its 100% american pima fibers

source of cotton

cotton boll

cellulosic fibers

hydrophillic

retting

bacterial rotting process to remove bast fibers from stem