Enhanced cotton textiles from utilization research

Cotton, the most important vegetable fiber used in spinning, is a member of the genus Gossipium and is widely grown in warm climates the world over, Cotton, a renewable resource, has many good qualities, such as comfort, breathability and dyeability. Utilization research has provided other value added properties. Elucidation of mechanisms for the reactions of cellulose has paved the way for product development. Significant contributions in the areas of mercerization, rot resistance, antibacterial treatments, flame retardancy, durable press, antisoiling treatments, dyeing, water absorption, and comfort have been provided by research conducted at the Southern Regional Research Center.