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ARS Home » Southeast Area » New Orleans, Louisiana » Southern Regional Research Center » Cotton Structure and Quality Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #297944
Title: Cotton fiber moisture measurements: a comparative evaluation

Author
item Rodgers Iii, James
item Fortier, Chanel
item SHO, YEUNG KANG - University Of Georgia
item Montalvo Jr, Joseph
item von Hoven, Terri

Submitted to: American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) Journal of Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/15/2014
Publication Date: 9/15/2014
Citation: Rodgers III, J.E., Fortier, C.A., Sho, Y., Montalvo Jr, J.G., Von Hoven, T.M. 2014. Cotton fiber moisture measurements: a comparative evaluation. American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists Journal of Research. 1(5):24-33.

Interpretive Summary: A commonly used standard method for measuring cotton fiber moisture is the oven drying method. However, several commercial instruments are available for measuring fiber moisture content. A comparative evaluation program was implemented to determine the capabilities of laboratory moisture instrumentation/methods and to develop a standard format to quickly compare different units (logistical and technical attributes). Fifteen instruments were evaluated and compared to an oven drying method (reference). The best measurement agreement to the reference method was obtained for most small “oven” analyzers and Near Infrared (NIR) analyzers, with few outliers and low residuals. A comprehensive comparative matrix was developed to assist the user decision-making process for selecting to best overall instrument to meet their fiber moisture measurement needs.

Technical Abstract: A commonly used standard method for measuring cotton fiber moisture is the oven drying method (moisture content equal weight loss). However, several commercial instruments are available for measuring fiber moisture content. A comparative evaluation program was implemented to determine the capabilities of laboratory moisture instrumentation/methods and to develop a standard format to quickly compare different units (logistical and technical attributes). Fifteen instruments were evaluated and compared to an oven drying method (reference). The best measurement agreement to the reference method was obtained for most small “oven” analyzers and Near Infrared (NIR) analyzers, with few outliers and low residuals. A comprehensive comparative matrix was developed to assist the user decision-making process for selecting to best overall instrument to meet their fiber moisture measurement needs.