Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #211812
Title: Cotton Quality Indices of Spun Yarn

Author
item Foulk, Jonn
item Gamble, Gary
item SENTER, HERMAN - CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
item Meredith Jr, William

Submitted to: World Cotton Research Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/6/2007
Publication Date: 7/30/2008
Citation: Foulk, J.A., Gamble, G.R., Senter, H., Meredith Jr, W.R. 2008. Cotton Quality Indices of Spun Yarn. Breakout session: 1142 Fiber quality evaluation and preservation 2. World Cotton Research Conference Proceedings, September 10-14, 2008, Lubbock, Texas. p. 1758.

Interpretive Summary: The use of index numbers to determine the most efficient spinning method for a lot of cotton is investigated. Indices for ring, open end, and vortex spun yarn quality are calculated using data from a five year Commercial Variety Study. In that study a wide variety of blended cotton lots were spun into yarn by each of three methods. Measures of spinning performance and yarn quality were taken. For the 154 lots in the study, index values are computed from 12 spun yarn properties for each spinning method. These index values allow relative rankings of the lots in term of overall spinning quality. For new lots of cotton, three index values (one for each spinning method) are computed from predicted spinning properties based on HVI fiber properties. The prediction equations are from data in the Commercial Variety Study. Coefficine of determination values (R2) are used to weight predicted spinning properties in calculating the index values for new lots.

Technical Abstract: Cotton was spun into yarn at the Cotton Quality Research Station by each of three spinning methods (ring, vortex, and open end spinning) to determine if a relationship exits between cotton fiber properties and the quality of spun yarn. Cotton was grown and harvested in 2001-2005 from three of the largest producing growing regions (Georgia, Mississippi, and Texas) and subsequently ginned at their respective locations. Goals of this five year project are to determine an index of overall yarn quality based on cotton fiber properties and optimize the utilization of cotton for the cotton industry. Cotton cultivars are not bred for utility value with the exception of some properties measured using the High Volume Instrument (HVI™). A portion of yarn variability is accounted for by various fiber properties which partially predict the physical properties of yarn and the success of spinning. Unfortunately, the commercialization of cotton cultivars is not contingent upon fiber quality or establishing a satisfactory fiber utility value. This manuscript explores the development of a quality index (composite measure of twelve yarn and spinning performance variables) and the means by which selection of cotton fiber qualities will help predict its ideal utilization.