COTTON FIBER STRENGTH
Contents -
|
Single fiber strength
The strength of cotton fibers is attributed to the rigidity of the cellulosic chains, the highly fibrillar and crystalline structure, and the extensive intermolecular and intramolecular hydrogen-bonding. Varietal link to fiber strength has been well documented by bundle strength. Strength and crystalline structure relationship Positive relationships between bundle strength by the Stelometer and crystallinity (53% to 69%) have been reported on matured fibers from eight Egyptian cottons (Hindeleh, 1980). However, the relationships between strength and crystallinity may not be easily compared among studies. One reason is that the extents of crystallinity of matured cottons range from 50% to nearly 100% depending on the measurement techniques. The differences resulting from the methods of crystallinity determination are further complicated by the inevitable variations among cotton fibers due to a combination of varietal and environmental factors. The HVI system measures fiber strength by clamping a bundle of fibers, with 1/8 inch between the two sets of jaws, and measuring the force required to break the fibers. Results are reported as grams per tex or grams per denier. A “tex” is a unit equal to the weight in grams of 1,000 meters of fiber. Therefore, the strength reported is the force in grams required to break a bundle of fibers one tex unit in size. |