Cotton fiber is one of the most important natural fibers used in the textile industry and is known for its softness, breathability, absorbency, durability and versatility. Alfa Chemistry offers cotton fiber products to meet your specific needs.
Introduction
Cotton fibers are seed fibers formed by the elongation and thickening of the epidermal cells of the fertilized ovules. Its main component is cellulose, accounting for 93-95% of the dry weight, and the rest is the accompanying products of the fiber. Cotton fibers are widely used and easy to dye, print and process, making them a popular choice for various textile products.
Classification
Based on the variety of of the cotton plant they are derived from, cotton fibers can be divided into the following three types.
- Fine-staple cotton (upland cotton). Fine-staple cotton fiber is of medium fineness and length, white or milky white, rich in mercerization, and can be spun into 11-100 tex fine yarn. Fine-staple cotton accounts for 85% of the world's total cotton fiber production.
- Long-staple cotton (sea island cotton). Long-staple cotton fiber is long, fine and soft, milky white or light yellow, rich in mercerization, and of excellent quality. It is the raw material for producing cotton yarn below 10 tex.
- Coarse-staple cotton (Asian cotton, African cotton). Coarse-staple cotton fiber is short and thick and elastic.
Characteristics
- Softness. Cotton fibers have a natural softness, making them comfortable to wear against the skin. This softness is a result of the fine and smooth structure of the fibers.
- Breathability. Cotton fibers are highly breathable, allowing air to flow through the fabric and helping to regulate body temperature. This makes cotton fiber an excellent choice for clothing in warm or humid climates.
- Absorbency. Cotton fibers have a high level of absorbency, meaning they can quickly and efficiently absorb moisture from the skin. This makes cotton an ideal choice for towels, bed linens, and other textiles that need to be able to absorb liquids.
- Durability. Cotton fibers are known for their strength and durability, making them resistant to wear and tear. With proper care, cotton textiles can last for many years.
- Versatility. Cotton fibers can be woven into a variety of different fabric types, from lightweight voile to heavy denim. This versatility makes cotton fiber a popular choice for a wide range of clothing and household textiles.
Applications
Cotton fiber is a popular choice for various textile applications, including but not limited to:
- Apparel. Cotton fibers are commonly used in the production of clothing such as t-shirts, jeans, dresses, and underwear due to their softness and breathability.
- Home textiles. Cotton fibers are used to make a variety of home textiles such as sheets, pillowcases and duvet covers. They are also used to make towels because of their absorbent and quick-drying properties. In addition, cotton fibers are used to make upholstery fabrics for furniture such as sofas and chairs, as well as drapery fabrics for curtains and window treatments.
- Medical textiles. Cotton fibers are used in the production of medical textiles such as bandages and gauze due to their softness, hypoallergenic properties, and ability to absorb moisture.
- Automotive textiles. Cotton fibers are also used in the production of automotive textiles, such as seat covers and floor mats.
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