Unit 2 - Lecture 6 Topic 3

Question 1

What is cotton’s durability like?

Answer 1

Cotton is of moderate strength, and is even stronger when wet (3.3-6.4 g/den). It also has a high initial modulus. Its durability is related to high levels of crystallinity and many H-bonds. Cotton has low elongation and poor elastic recovery and resilience (because the H-bonds break and reform in new positions). Cotton has moderate abrasion resistance. Its flex and edge abrasion properties are worse than flat abrasions.

Question 2

How does cotton appear?

Answer 2

Cotton is dull, with low lustre; Its convoluted fibre surface reflects light in scattered patterns. In general, short-staple fibres produce low-lustre fabrics. Cotton wrinkles easily. Cotton doesn’t tend to pill, instead, fibres are broken off or pull out of the fabric, creating lint. Cotton is prone to relaxation shrinkage, especially in hot water.

Question 3

What are cotton’s comfort properties?

Answer 3

Cotton is extremely absorbent (hydrophilic) because water attracts to the hydroxyl groups. Because cotton is so hydrophilic, it can feel uncomfortable in cold, damp conditions but this also means it has low static build-up. Because cotton fibres are so fine, it’s soft. Cotton has low thermal retention, making it comfy in hot weather.