Evaluation of Cleaning and Washing Processes for Cotton Fiber

Abstract

Fine dusts in trash samples collected on Pneumafil filter during carding of washed cottons were separated into 20 to 38-μm and <20-μm fractions, their ash contents determined, and elemental analyses performed on the resulting inorganic residues. The quantity of fine dusts separated was affected by carding rate and the use of an electrostatic eliminator on the card. The lower the carding speed, the lower the fine dust content per bale. The electrostatic eliminator significantly increased the amount of fine dusts per bale even at the lowest carding speed. Ash contents varied with washing conditions, carding rate, and whether the electrostatic eliminator was employed. A wide variety of elements was present in the fine dusts, but unexpectedly high levels of Cu, Zn, Fe, and Al were found, which indicate contamination of these cottons.