Cotton

Name:
Cotton
Detailed information:
Staple fibers surrounding the seeds of various species of Gossypium. Both Egyptian and Sea Island cotton have unusually long staple (approximately 2 inches). Cotton is the major textile fiber and an important source of cellulose, which constitutes 88–96% of the fiber. So-called absorbent cotton is almost pure cellulose.

Properties:

Tenacity, 3–6 g/denier (dry), 4–8 g/denier (wet); elongation 3–7%; d 1.54; moisture regain 7% (21 C, 65% relative humidity); yellows slowly at 121 C; decomposes at approximately 148 C; low permanent set; decomposed by acids; swells in caustic but is undamaged. Soluble in cuprammonium hydroxide. Subject to mildew. May be dyed by direct, vat, azoic, sulfur, and basic dyes.Combustible.

Source:

U.S., Brazil, Egypt, India.

Hazard:

Toxic by inhalation. TLV: (dust) 0.2 mg/m3. Moderately flammable in the form of dust or linters; fiber ignites readily. In the form of dust or linters, exposure of workers in textile mills may cause “brown lung.”

Use:

Apparel, industrial and household fabrics, upholstery, medicine, thread.

See Cellulose.