Author
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Brushwood, Donald |
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Submitted to: Textile Research Journal
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 2/2/2005 Publication Date: 8/1/2005 Citation: Brushwood, D.E. 2005. Changes in non-fibrous material of cotton during yarn processing. Textile Research Journal, August 2005. Vol 78 (8), pp. 616-621 Interpretive Summary: Studies were conducted on two varieties of cotton grown in three major domestic growing areas in the 2002 year. Specific concentrations of non-cellulosic materials on the fibers were determined at different stages of yarn processing to measure any possible changes that may occur and if these changes may effect the quality of yarns. Yarns were produced by ring, open-end, and Vortex spinning systems. Changes in overall alcohol surface removable non-fibrous materials were observed in the initial opening and carding processes and in yarn spinning. Natural wax concentrations, which were micronaire dependent, did not change in processing. Plant sugars, which were relatively low in concentration, also did not change. Decreases in fiber light metal content were observed primarily in opening and carding. Concentrations of the metals calcium and sodium were reduced significantly more than those of potassium and magnesium, suggesting that they are more surface oriented than the other two. A larger percentage of each metal was lost as fiber micronaire increased. This seems to be a matter directly related to the actual physical contact of fiber surfaces with processing machinery. Technical Abstract: Two new fibermax varieties of cotton grown in a single season and common to three major domestic growing areas were blended into lots. Evaluated for physical properties, and subsequently spun into yarn by ring, open-end, and Vortex spinning systems. Sampling of carding and other slivers and yarn selected at different processing stages were tested for fiber non-cellulosic content. Fiber micronaire, which subsequently affected other non-cellulosic material contents, was found to be highly related to growing location. Total fiber alcohol extractable surface materials were reduced in the processing opening and carding process as well as in yarn spinning. Concentrations of the light metals potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium all were reduced in the fiber and in the opening and carding stages of processing. The percentage of decrease per variety in alcohol extractables and metal content processing was found to be related to fiber micronaire, suggesting that actual fiber physical contact with processing machinery was an important factor. |
