MORPHOLOGICAL AND MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES OF RAW AND SWOLLEN COTTON FIBERS

A study of the morphological features of cotton fibers and their relationship with tensile properties is described. An estimation of the magnitude of void space within the secondary wall on the basis of cell wall area and gravimetric fineness is made; the value of these voids seems to be quite high. The modifications brought about in both structural and mechan ical properties by swelling treatments using different swelling agents of appropriate concentration are given. Sodium hy droxide solution produces the maximum swelling in the cell wall, followed by ethylenediamine and zinc chloride. The reduction in strength at 0 gauge length due to swelling follows the same order. © 1979, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.