Chemical composition and characterization of cotton fibers

Authors: Liu, Yongliang

Submitted to: Cotton Fiber: Physics, Chemistry and Biology
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/18/2018
Publication Date: 11/10/2018
Citation: Liu, Y. 2018. Chemical composition and characterization of cotton fibers. In: Fang, D., editor. Cotton Fiber: Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Springer, Cham. p. 75-94.

Interpretive Summary: Cotton fiber development includes at least four overlapping but distinctive phases: initiation, primary wall formation (elongation), secondary cell wall thickening (cellulose synthesis) and maturation, reflecting a continuous change in secondary cell wall composition and cellulose rearrangement. There are voluminous studies on the chemical, compositional and structural aspects of cotton fibers at different stages, together with their physical properties and end-use qualities, by comprehensive and diversified methods and systems in cotton industry. The accumulated knowledge helps cotton breeders and growers to improve cotton quality traits and yield and also textile processors to enhance fiber processing efficiency and productivity. However, because cotton fiber cellulose is not easily dissolved in most solvents, it brings challenges in its chemical, compositional and structural characterization rapidly and accurately. In addition to an overview of traditional fiber chemical composition and structural measurement, this chapter discusses the latest developments of utilizing Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, a rapid and non-destructive technique, to investigate fiber chemical composition and structure aspects for cotton fiber physiology and breeding applications.

Technical Abstract: Cotton fiber development includes at least four overlapping but distinctive phases: initiation, primary wall formation (elongation), secondary cell wall thickening (cellulose synthesis) and maturation, reflecting a continuous change in secondary cell wall composition and cellulose rearrangement. There are voluminous studies on the chemical, compositional and structural aspects of cotton fibers at different stages, together with their physical properties and end-use qualities, by comprehensive and diversified methods and systems in cotton industry. The accumulated knowledge helps cotton breeders and growers to improve cotton quality traits and yield and also textile processors to enhance fiber processing efficiency and productivity. However, because cotton fiber cellulose is not easily dissolved in most solvents, it brings challenges in its chemical, compositional and structural characterization rapidly and accurately. In addition to an overview of traditional fiber chemical composition and structural measurement, this chapter discusses the latest developments of utilizing Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, a rapid and non-destructive technique, to investigate fiber chemical composition and structure aspects for cotton fiber physiology and breeding applications.