Introduction
Cotton fiber, being a natural substance is important in various industries the world over. Knowledge of its historical relevance as well as present-day functions explains the structure, properties, structure, and uses of cotton fiber hence giving researchers an idea of this multi-purpose material. This paper concentrates on cotton fibers’ intricacies; it touches upon their chemical composition, physical features, internal arrangement, and different industrial and commercial applications. What results from this are essential factors about cotton fiber that have made it significant in the world market today.
Cotton fiber
Cotton fiber therefore is described as a soft staple fiber that is produced after the development of seed of the cotton plant surrounding a protective ball commonly known as a boll. The use of this natural fiber dates back to several thousands of years and in the present day it is one of the most commonly used fibers around the world. It is a term used to refer to thread-like structures known as seed hairs on the cotton plant and these can be spun to produce yarn or thread to be used in making cloths among other things.
Historical Importance of Cotton
Over time, Cotton has indeed played an influential role in the determination of human history. A crucial instrument of commerce through which economies of the world get affected. Cotton was first used in textile production in the 18th after the invention of what has been referred to as the cotton gin.
Characteristics of Cotton Fibers
i. Cotton fiber comfortable to wear
ii. It is a natural, cellulosic fiber
iii. It is collected from the cotton boll
iv. It's water absorbency and breathability are good
v. It is slow to dry
vi. Resists static electricity build-up
vii. Wrinkles easily
viii. It can withstand heat, detergents, and bleach
ix. About 20% stronger when wet than dry
x. It will shrink unless treated
xi. It can be damaged by mildew
xii. It can be damaged by prolonged exposure to sunlight
xiii. Long staple cotton (such as Supima, Pima, Egyptian, and Sea Island) can be woven into smooth, almost silky fabrics.
Composition of cotton fiber
It is 90% cellulose, a structural polysaccharide that provides the cotton fiber with a measure of stiffness and makes it very durable. However, cotton fiber also contains other chemical substances, besides cellulose, which make it peculiar in some ways. The major constituent of cotton fiber is cellulose, which forms 90-95% of its weight being almost pure. It is this high degree of cellulose content that confers upon it very high tensile strength as well as flexibility. Besides cellulose, the fiber of the cotton contains a minute amount of proteins, waxes, pectins, and minerals. The latter is also useful in sustaining the general stability as well as the characteristics of the fiber being used.
Properties of cotton fibers
Cotton fiber is loved for being smooth moist-air permeable and absorbent. It is physically strong and mechanically stable and hence can be used in a variety of areas.
A. Physical Properties of Cotton Fiber
It feels soft on the touch, good for health care allergic-free skin wear. It has an excellent capacity for absorbing moisture thus promoting coolness through evaporation on skins.
i. Color- The color of cotton fiber is helpful in fiber identification. The normal color is white to cream white.
ii. Fiber Strength – Fiber strength is measured in grams per denier. It is a medium-strength fiber and has a tenacity of 3.0 - 4.9 g/den.
iii. Elastic Properties- Cotton fiber elasticity is very low. Recovery from the deformation of cotton fibers from applied loads is very low.
iv. Length- Physically separated cotton fibers consist of a single long cylindrical cell. Its length is about 1200-1500 times its width. The length of cotton fiber varies from 16 mm to 52 mm.
v. Fineness- The fineness of the fiber depends on the length of the fiber. As cotton fibers are longer, they have more fineness and shorter cotton fibers have less fineness.
vi. Crimp- Cotton fiber is more or less twisted in its longitudinal axis which is not visible from outside. This is called fiber crimp. It helps in spinning.
vii. Specific gravity- The specific gravity of cotton fiber is 1.54.
viii. Effect of Sunlight- When cotton is exposed to sunlight, the strength of cotton fibers gradually decreases and they turn yellow due to sunlight.
ix. Effect of heat- It is resistant to heat.
x. Luster- It has very low luster as it inherently has low elasticity.
xi. Effect of moisture- The tensile strength of cotton fiber increases with moisture absorption. It has a moisture recovery of 8.5%. Wet cotton is 20-25% stronger than dry cotton.
xii. Odor- Cotton burns instantly when exposed to fire and the odor is that of burning paper.
B. Chemical Properties of Cotton
i Effect of acid- Cotton fiber is damaged by dilute acid and cold concentrated acid.
ii. Effect of Alkali- It has excellent alkali resistance. It swells in caustic alkalis such as NaOH but is not damaged by alkalis. It can be washed repeatedly in soapy water without any problems.
iii. Effect of Organic Solvents- It has high resistance to normal cleaning solvents. It is dissolved by copper complexes such as cupramonium hydroxide etc.
iv Effect of insects- Insects or bugs do not attack or damage cotton fiber.
v. Effect of micro-organisms- It is attacked by fungi and bacteria. Mildews feed on cotton fibers, rotting and weakening the material.
Cotton Fiber Structure
The structure of a cotton fiber is important in determining its properties and performance in different applications at the molecular and fiber levels. By knowing cotton’s molecular structure as well as fiber morphology, insights into behavior and properties can be obtained.
Molecular Structure Of Cotton Fiber
A cellulosic crystalline arrangement is formed by many long chains of cellulose molecules within the cotton fibers’ chemical makeup. Derived from this molecular organization, cotton fibers possess high strength as well as elasticity that makes them efficient natural textile fibers.
Cotton Fiber Morphology
Through a microscope, cotton fibers appear cylindrical with a twisted ribbon-like look. The morphology of cotton’s fiber contributes to softness, breathability air-holding capacity, insulation, and comfort in clothing or textiles.
Industrial And Commercial Uses Of Cotton Fiber
Different industrial sectors utilize this material for various purposes whereas it finds application across many commercial areas too. Its wide range of use relates mostly to its inherent attributes.
Applications of the textile industry
Cotton fiber is mainly used in the textile industry although it can also be used in other ways. It is a large constituent for manufacturing a vast number of textile products like apparel, bed linen, bath linen, and many others. Cotton makes good and long-endurable fabrics because it is relatively soft, porous, and can absorb a lot of body moisture.
Cotton fiber has non-textile uses
Beyond the textile context, cotton fibers are utilized in other ways. For instance, cooking or cosmetics use cottonseed oil made from cottonseeds. Additionally, paper products, medical supplies, and even currency papers have some percentage of cotton fibers. Cotton fiber finds its place in many industries due to its versatility and durability.
Conclusion
Cotton fibers remain an essential material with a rich history and are supported by many practical applications. Its distinct composition, beneficial characteristics, and versatile framework make it a valuable resource that extends beyond the boundaries of the textile industry into fields like agriculture among others. We acknowledge our dependence on cotton fiber not just as a testament to its enduring importance but also because it continues to contribute to numerous sectors across the globe in varied ways every day.
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