Cotton Blend Research Articles

Blend analysis by conventional infra‐red spectrophotometry. Part 1‐polyester/cotton blends

This paper deals with the blend analysis of polyester/cotton blends using conventional i.r. spectrophotometry. More accurate prediction of blend composition is possible by using the peak areas at the 725cm‐1 band and logarithmic ratios of 3385cm‐1/725cm‐1 and 3385cm‐1/1715cm‐1 than by using the 1715cm‐1 peak area as is the normal practice. The results are then found to be less affected by sample inhomogeneity and variations in sampling accuracy.

Cloth from bast fibre of the Calotropis procera (Aak) plant

Bast fibres of Calotropis procera (aak) plant were separated by retting. Maximum quantity of fibres was available from the stem retted for a period of 8 days. The fineness and strength of aak fibre were comparable with cotton. However, small staple length, high percentage of small fibres and lack of convolutions offer problems in spinning. The yarn of blend of cotton and aak in 1:1 proportion was inferior to cotton in respect of strength, fineness and evenness. The properties of cloth indicated that aak cloth has high tensile and abrasion strength and more weight per square metre than cotton cloth. The study suggested that good quality cloth could be prepared from aak yarn if its evenness and fineness are improved.

Improving the Wrinkle Recovery of Wool/Cotton Blends by Simultaneous Treatment with Synthappret BAP and DMDHEU

A simple pad-dry-cure procedure is described that significantly improves the dry (conditioned) wrinkle recovery of fabrics made from a range of intimate blends of wool and cotton. The method involves simultaneous application of a mixture of a cellulose crosslinking agent dimethyloldihydroxyethylene urea (DMDHEU) and the carbamoyl sulphonate-terminated poly (ether) urethane Synthappret BAP from pad liquors containing a nonionic surfactant. The latter is necessary to prevent precipitation of the magnesium salt formed from Synthappret BAP by the magnesium chloride catalyst used to crosslink cellulose with DMDHEU. The two reagents act, by different mechanisms, by improving the dry wrinkle recovery of only the cellulosic component of the fabric. DMDHEU acts by increasing the resilience of the cotton fibers and Synthappret BAP by reducing the frictional component of wrinkling that is due largely to the cotton in the blend. When applied simultaneously, the effects of the two reagents are additive. This permits higher levels of wrinkle recovery than are possible by treat ment with either compound alone, with only small accompanying adverse effects on abrasion resistance. A simultaneous treatment with low levels of the reagents also controls shrinkage in laundering and improves the wet wrinkle recovery properties of the wool/cotton fabrics.

Cotton/Milkweed Blends: A Novel Textile Product

Experimental fabrics have been knitted from high level blends of cotton and common milkweed fibers. The milkweed fiber ( Asclepias syriaca), often called "vegetable silk," is a seed floss that is similar to the Rux fiber ( Caleotropis gigantea ) of Southeast Asia. The physical properties of the milkweed fiber, its morphology, and the properties of the blended yams and fabrics are described. The response of the fabrics to scouring and bleaching and to subsequent durable press finishing has been investigated. Certain strength and moisture related advantages can be realized from replacing part of the cotton in a fabric with milkweed, without reduction in the durable press levels obtained in similarly finished all-cotton fabrics.

Thermal analyses of flame‐retardant twills containing cotton, polyester and wool

AbstractMedium weight twill fabrics constructed from cotton and cotton blended with polyester and/or wool were analyzed under nitrogen by three thermoanalytical techniques. Fabrics were tested both before and after treatment with [tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium] sulfate (THPS), urea, and trimethylolmelamine. The presence of all fibers was distinguishable in differential scanning calorimetric analysis (DSC) of untreated fabrics; the relative positions of the endothermic, decomposition peak temperatures were only slightly changed. After flame‐retardant (FR) treatment, the blended cotton and wool fibers were altered. Both fibers decomposed as exotherms during DSC analysis. These data supported earlier microscopical, X‐ray evidence that wool fibers were actually reacting with the FR treatment. The two DSC peaks for polyester polymer melting and decomposing remained unaffected by either blending with other fibers or the presence of the FR finish on the fabric. There was excellent agreement between DSC peak temperatures and the temperature of maximum rate of weight loss obtained from thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Blending cotton with either of these fibers increased the residue measured after TGA. The increased residue correlated with increased flame resistance as measured by the 45° angle, edge‐ignition burning rate test.

COMPARATIVE THERMOPHYSIOLOGICAL TESTS ON BLANKETS MADE FROM WOOL AND ACRYLIC-FIBRE–COTTON BLENDS

An account is given of the determination of the thermophysiological properties of two blankets, one made from wool and the other from an acrylic-fibre–cotton blend but otherwise matched in weight and fibre diameter, by laboratory measurements as well as by climatic-chamber tests with human subjects. The tests show that the blanket made from wool confers a higher degree of thermal insulation and possesses better moisture-transport properties under stationary conditions, combined with better moisture absorbance and buffering capacity under transient conditions, than the blanket made from the acrylic-fibre–cotton blend. Consequently, in the climatic-chamber tests under warm and humid conditions, the test persons subjectively preferred the woollen blanket for its thermophysiological comfort.

Cotton Blend Fabrics from Polyester Core Yarns

Core spun yarns with a filament core and a cotton wrap were prepared and made into fabrics. The properties of these yarns and fabrics in comparison with all-cotton and intimate staple blend controls were investigated. This study included the dyeing of these fabrics and finishing for smooth drying and flame retardancy.

Extending Applicable Ranges of Regression Equations for Yarn Strength Forecasting

Using recently developed technology for rapid instrument testing of cotton fiber, it is possible to characterize large numbers of bales rapidly and accurately. Many com mercial spinners of cotton and cotton blend yams have used such data in combination with standard statistical techniques to generate regression equations for forecasting product quality. Because of the mill-specific nature of such forecasting equations, each mill or each product must be studied as a separate case. This report describes work that permits extending the applicable ranges of these regression equations to include the effects of changes in yarn count, twist multiple, combing noils, and blend level. Mathematical models quantitatively describing these parameters are presented in a form that can be easily incorporated into existing forecasting equations.

Improved Staple Processing Performance Through Air Charge Control

The air charge was changed from negative to positive in internal tests, and ring spinning ends down were significantly reduced for both 100% polyester and polyester cotton blends. This result was consistent with observations made in a mill. Mechanisms for air charge affecting staple processing are discussed.

Low‐energy Preparation of Cotton and Cotton Blends

Shirley Institute Didsbury Manchester M20 8RXPresented at the 13th Congress of the International Federation of Associations of Textile Chemists and Colourists in London on 21 September 1984.Surveys of current practice show that energy requirements for fabric preparation range between Wand 30 GJ for each tonne of fabric processed. The procedure recommended in this paper consumes as little as 3.4 GJ/tonne. The process depends upon steam purging loom‐state fabric prior to the fabric entering the preparation liquor, and combining the three separate stages of desizing, scouring and bleaching into a single‐stage process. Acceptable preparation of cotton fabrics can be obtained by batching such impregnated fabric at room temperature, followed by washing‐off and drying.

Improved Comfort Polyester

A series of polyester, cotton, and polyester/cotton blends and a few miscellaneous types were evaluated in a number of subjective wearer trials by the Gillette Research Institute. The modifications, which were shown most substantially to improve the comfort of polyester, included certain engineering modifications, cross-section variations, and pressure jet treatments. Some modification combinations increased the perceived comfort level of polyesters to a point equal to or exceeding that of a 50/50 PET/ cotton blend and close to all cotton.

Polyacrylates in Flame Retardant Treatments of Textile Fabrics

Durable phosphorus-based flame retardants containing polyacrylate emul sions were applied to cotton, cotton-polyester, and cotton-wool twill fabrics to study the effect of the added polyacrylates on the physical properties and flame retardancy. The Thps-urea-TMM flame retardant with added polyacrylate im parted better overall physical properties to 100% cotton fabric than to cotton blend fabrics. Treatments containing polyacrylates with low glass transition temperatures produced fabrics with the highest abrasion resistance, tearing strength and wrinkle recovery. The flame retardancy of treated fabrics was not adversely affected by the addition of polyacrylates to the flame retardant treatments.

Acrylic Size for Polyester Cotton Blends

Acrylic Size for Polyester Cotton Blends

A Microscopical Study of Residual Oily Soil Distribution on Fabrics of Varying Fiber Content

Microprobe techniques were used to study the distribution of residual triolein, a major constituent of human sebum, within yams of varying fiber content. Fabrics of acrylic, polyester, nylon, cotton, and polyester/cotton were soiled with triolein, aged for 16 hours at 38°C, and washed at 38°C with a heavy-duty, unbuilt liquid detergent. After five soil-age-wash cycles, specimens were prepared for analysis by electron microscopy. For fibers of all chemical types, backscattered electron images and electron beam X-ray microanalysis showed high concentrations of triolein in the interfiber capillaries of the yarns and on the fiber surfaces. Oil appeared in beads on the surfaces of acrylic and nylon fibers and on polyester fibers from the polyester/ cotton blend that had a durable press finish. Unfinished polyester fibers, both round and trilobal, had a more uniform coating of oil around the fiber surfaces. Radiotracer analysis indicated that less residual oil was present on the nylon fabric than on the fabrics containing other synthetic fibers. The distribution of oil, however. was similar for these fabrics. Little or no triolein was observed in the interior of any of the synthetic fibers. Cotton fibers had large deposits in the crenelated surfaces and in the lumen, as well as in the interfiber spaces. Dewaxed cotton fabric retained 10% less triolein than the cotton fabric that had not been extracted with an organic solvent. The 50% polyester/50% cotton fabric with a durable press finish had a lower amount of residual oil on it than the unfinished fabric. '

Fire Resistant Cotton Blends Without Fire Retardant Finish

Cotton, a modacrylic (SEF), and polyester fibers were ground, blended, and made into pads weighing the equivalent of 4.8 oz. per square yard. The pads were treated with a durable press resin (DMDHEU), Sb2O3 or a combination of the two. The purpose was to develop technology for producing fire resistant durable press cotton blend textiles without the use of fire retardant chemical finishes. The pads were analyzed with and without the finishes for ease of ignition, rate of burning in the horizontal position, and Oxygen Index (01). Cotton and cotton/PE blends easily ignited, readily burned and ex hibited low Ols. The presence of SEF had a highly significant effect on all of the fire resistant test results. DMDHEU, Sb2O3 or DMDHEU plus Sb2O3 increased fire resistance of cotton and all blends. Considerable fire resistance, as measured by ignition, rate of burning, and 01 was obtained by application of the durable press resin to cotton/SEF and cotton/SEF/PE blands.

High Cotton-Content Polyester/Kevlar Triblend Yarns and Fabrics

Blends of cotton with up to 40% manmade fibers were produced. Triblends included cotton with 5% Kevlar/15% polyester, 5% Kevlar/25% polyester, 5% Kevlar/35% polyester, and 10% Kevlar/20% polyester. The triblend yarns and fabrics were compared with those produced from blends of cotton with 20, 30, and 40% polyester. Yarns spun from the triblends were stronger than the cotton/polyester blend yarns with equivalent manmade fiber contents. However, the improvement in strength imparted by the Kevlar fiber diminished as the percentage of polyester was increased. In some cases, resin-treated triblend fabrics had lower breaking strengths than those woven from comparable cotton/polyester blends. Fabrics containing Kevlar had reduced abrasion resistance and a greater tendency to pill.

Studies on poly(ethylene terephthalate)/cotton blends by differential scanning calorimetry

DSC curves of polyster/cotton blends indicate that the glass transition temperature,Tg, of cotton varies with the blend composition. Standard curves for quality control purposes are presented and are based on either the cotton or PET transition peak areas. Factors that contribute to the size of the peak areas were determined: a composition coefficient factor and a thermal coefficient factor.

Economics of Dyeing Processes

Recently published work concerned with the internal cost structure of textile coloration processes is reviewed and an attempt is made to identify development trends from this viewpoint. The emphasis is on cost comparisons between processes and the degree of contribution by the various factors to the overall cost of the process. The information discussed is classified according to substrate, i.e. synthetic yarn and tow, synthetic fabrics, cotton and polyester blends, because this brings together methods of dyeing which are sufficiently similar to permit useful cross‐ comparisons Comments on the costs of scouring and bleaching cotton are included in the section on batchwise dyeing of knitted fabrics, but washing‐off and thermal treatments are best dealt with in the context of continuous dyeing. Polyester—cotton dyeing, where there is most scope for rationalization and cost‐optimization because of the expensive and timeconsuming nature of conventional batchwise procedures, is left until last. The review concludes with a re‐statement of certain underlying trends which govern the relative cost‐effectiveness of different methods of coloration.

Durable Flame-Retardant Treatments for Blends of Cotton, Wool, and Polyester

Durable flame-retardant treatments based on a vinyl phosphonate oligomer or Thps were applied to cotton, cotton/polyester, cotton/wool, and cotton/polyester/wool medium-weight twill fabrics. The treatments were applied by either a pad, dry, cure process or a two-step procedure consisting of a pad, dry, cure application of DMDHEU followed by a Thps-NH3 cure process. Flammability of the treated fabrics was evaluated by a number of tests, including burning rate, vertical char length, oxygen index, and a flame-extinguishment test. Physical properties were determined by standard tests to measure breaking strength, wrinkle recovery, stiffness, durable- press rating and shrinkage due to laundering. Cotton/wool blend fabrics treated with Thps-urea-TM M had the best flame-retardant properties.

Low Wet Pick-Up Finishing: A Review of Commercial Experience'

This paper discusses the commercial implications of kiss-roll and foam-application methods for applying both thermosetting resin and hand-modifying chemicals to cotton and cotton blend fabrics. Both physical performance characteristics and aesthetic properties are discussed. The commercial implications on a practical, day-to-day, high-speed finishing range are compared with conventional dip-nip application techniques. The impact on color run and staining of white grounds of yarn-dyed fabrics are demonstrated. A brief discussion of economic considerations based on actual plant experience are also included.