Evaluation of Cleaning and Washing Processes for Cotton Fiber: Part I: Introduction and Cotton Properties

Abstract

Strict good ordinary grade cotton was mechanically cleaned and washed using treatments that ranged from water at 333 K (60°C) to a complete scour and bleach at 344 K (71°C). The micronaire of the cotton increased slightly when washed. The length of the fiber decreased slightly when higher washing temperatures were used, but the decrease was not statistically significant. The length-uni formity ratio was lowered about 1 unit by washing in hot water, and about 2 units by scouring. Wash ing increases the fiber bundle strength about 20 kN·m/kg (2 gf/tex). Washing in water at 333 K does not change the reflectance, but scouring causes a slight increase, and bleaching causes a large increase. The yellowness readings are significantly decreased by washing in water and decreased even further by scouring. © 1980, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.