Greige Cotton Research Articles

Effect of Test Parameters on Sensitivity of Tensile Test Results for Greige Cotton Hydroentangled Nonwoven Fabric

This research is an in-depth study into the tensile properties of hydro-entangled nonwoven fabrics made of greige cotton. The effect of five different testing parameters or sample characteristics, weight, gauge length, speed of testing, angle to machine direction, and specimen width, of hydro-entangled nonwoven fabrics made of greige cotton were correlated with load at break, extension at break, tensile stress at break, tensile strain at break, Young’s modulus, and energy at break. The regression equations with an average r2 of 0.82 demonstrated parameters’ positive and effective influence on tensile properties. The influence order of all testing parameters is gauge length = specimen width > speed. This analysis aims to study the effects of testing parameters or sample characteristics on tensile properties. It is hoped that this study can contribute a better understanding of the relationship between hydro-entangled nonwoven fabric mechanical performance and web formations, potentially promoting greige cotton applications.

Ascorbic Acid as an Adjuvant to Unbleached Cotton Promotes Antimicrobial Activity in Spunlace Nonwovens.

The development of affordable, effective, and environmentally friendly barrier fabrics is a current goal in antimicrobial textile development. The discovery of new routes to achieve non-toxic naturally occurring molecules with antimicrobial activity is of interest in the development of materials that promote wound healing, improve hygiene, and offer protection against nosocomial infection. Highly cleaned and sterile unbleached cotton has constituents that produce hydrogen peroxide at levels commensurate with those that favor cell signaling in wound healing. Here, we show the antimicrobial and antiviral properties of spunlaced griege cotton-containing nonwovens treated with ascorbic acid formulations. The mechanism of action occurs through the promotion of enhanced hydrogen peroxide activity. The levels of hydrogen peroxide activity afford antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and antiviral activity against MS2 bacteriophages. Spun-bond nonwoven unbleached cotton was treated with ascorbic acid using traditional pad-dry-cure methods. An assessment of antibacterial and antiviral activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and MS2 bacteriophages with the AATCC 100 test method showed a 99.99% inhibitory activity. An approach to the covalent attachment of ascorbic to cellulose through citric acid crosslinking chemistry is also discussed. Thus, a simple, low-cost approach to antimicrobial and antiviral cotton-based nonwovens applicable to dressings, nosocomial barrier fabrics, and face masks can be adopted by combining ascorbic acid with spunlace greige cotton nonwoven fabrics.

Surface functionalization of greige cotton knitted fabric through plasma and cationization for dyeing with reactive and acid dyes

Dyeing cotton fabrics with anionic dyes produces high effluent loads and requires a considerable amount of water and energy due to the electrostatic repulsion with cellulose. Therefore, several approaches have been researched to increase the efficacy of cotton dyeing. One is the cationization, which adds cationic sites to the cellulose. Another is the treatment of the cotton surface with plasma. In this paper, the combination of both techniques was investigated. Two commercially available cationic agents were used: 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (CHPTAC) and poly[bis(2-chloroethyl) ether-alt-1,3-bis[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]urea] quaternized, a novel cationic agent also known as Polyquaternium-2 (P42). The plasma treatment was performed using a dielectric barrier discharge atmospheric plasma facility, helium was used as seed gas and 1.5% of oxygen was injected. The cationization and plasma treatment were performed on greige cotton fabric, an innovative and sustainable approach that eliminates conventional scouring and bleaching processes. The cationic and plasma treated samples were dyed using Reactive Red 195 and Acid Blue 260 dyes. The effect of the treatments was evaluated by different characterization techniques such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The plasma treatment slightly increased the light fastness for some samples, but the cationization tends to prevail over the plasma treatment. The best results were attributed to the samples pretreated by CHPTAC, which presented the highest K/S and lowest unlevelness for samples dyed with reactive and acid dyes. CHPTAC is the most common cationic agent for textiles, but its industrial use is limited due to safety criticisms. The combination between plasma and P42 resulted in the same color strength as the conventional reactive dyeing. Therefore, this approach offers a safer alternative to the conventional cationization process.

Functional assessment of biodegradable cotton nonwoven substrates permeated with spatial insect repellants for disposable applications

Arboviral diseases and malaria transmitted by mosquitoes are major health concerns worldwide responsible for millions of deaths annually. Spatial repellents have been used as preventative measures via direct application to the skin or disposable devices worn outside of clothing. Naturally derived, plant-based repellents are safe, effective alternatives to synthetic repellents and may be applied to disposable substrates including adhesive patches. Many disposables are composed of synthetic petrochemical-based polyester and polypropylene nonwoven fabrics, contributing to growing concern surrounding microplastic pollution. Sustainable and biodegradable substrates including those made from cotton are cost effective and environmentally friendly. Therefore, we explored the utilization of cotton-based substrates for the application of natural spatial and synthetic contact insect repellents. Cotton fibers used in the study were commercially available greige cotton, scoured and bleached greige cotton and reginned greige cotton motes, a value-added byproduct of the ginning process. Synthetic polyester and polypropylene were used for comparison. Thermogravimetric/derivative thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTG) in combination with modulated differential scanning calorimetry (mDSC) were used to discern vaporization properties of repellents from the substrates. Retention times of repellents on the substrates were analyzed using a Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy–focal plane array detector and compared with the TG/DTG and mDSC data. Mosquito landing assays confirmed the feasibility of using cotton-based substrates treated with plant-based spatial repellents as an effective and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic materials.

Development of a Nonwoven Hemostatic Dressing Based on Unbleached Cotton: A De Novo Design Approach.

Minimally processed greige (unbleached) cotton fibers demonstrate enhanced clotting relative to highly processed United States Pharmacopeia (USP) type 7 bleached cotton gauze. This effect is thought to be due to the material surface polarity. We hypothesized that a textile could be constructed, conserving the hemostasis-accelerating properties of greige cotton, while maintaining structural integrity and improving absorbance. Spun bond nonwovens of varying surface polarity were designed and prepared based on ratios of greige cotton/bleached cotton/polypropylene fibers. A thromboelastographic analysis was performed on fibrous samples in citrated blood to evaluate the rate of fibrin and clot formation. Lee White clotting times were obtained to assess the material’s clotting activity in platelet fresh blood. An electrokinetic analysis of samples was performed to analyze for material surface polarity. Hemostatic properties varied with composition ratios, fiber density, and fabric fenestration. The determinations of the surface polarity of cotton fabrics with electrokinetic analysis uncovered a range of surface polarities implicated in fabric-initiated clotting; a three-point design approach was employed with the combined use of thromboelastography, thrombin velocity index, Lee White clotting, and absorption capacity determinations applied to fabric structure versus function analysis. The resulting analysis demonstrates that greige cotton may be utilized, along with hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers, to improve the initiation of fibrin formation and a decrease in clotting time in hemostatic dressings suitable to be commercially developed. Hydroentanglement is an efficient and effective process for imparting structural integrity to cotton-based textiles, while conserving hemostatic function.

Effects of cotton textile waste properties on recycled fibre quality

The market for recycled cotton appears to be growing; however the main obstacle for cotton recycling is the lower quality of the resultant products. Therefore, detailed investigation of recycled cotton processes from separation/shredding to finishing is of great importance. This contribution reveals the effects of the type of cotton based textile wastes on recycled fibre properties after shredding. For this purpose, pre-consumer knitted cotton textile wastes were collected in a systematic way and sorted according to fabric tightness (loose/single-jersey and tight/interlock) and previous finishing treatments (untreated greige cotton fabrics and dyed cotton fabrics). The effect of the size of the waste fabric pieces fed to shredding was also investigated. Waste ratio of recycled fibres, recycled fibre length, spinnability of recycled cotton fibres and properties of produced yarns were tested. Results showed that lower waste ratio of recycled fibres and higher yarn breaking strength values was obtained by the recycling of cotton fibres from wastes composed of single-jersey greige cotton fabrics. In general recycled cotton fibres from dyed fabrics showed lower quality values. As a conclusion, it was indicated that better values for resultant material could be achieved by the selection of loosely knitted greige cotton fabrics.

The effect of cotton fiber inclusion on the hard surface cleaning capacity of nonwoven substrates

Hard surface cleaning and disinfection is critically important in environments where microbial contamination can result in the spread of food-borne illnesses and infectious diseases. Successful disinfection of a hard surface can be impeded by the presence of a soil load in the form of protein, fat or other material. Fibrous materials used as applicators for surface disinfecting solutions require careful consideration to ensure the active ingredient remains efficacious. Of equal importance are the mechanical and surface properties of the applicator including tensile strength, cleaning efficiency, and absorbency. Therefore, the successful disinfection of a hard surface can be greatly enhanced by an applicator that also effectively removes organic contaminants, is strong enough to resist structural failure, and reduces water waste when a disinfecting solution is applied. The cleaning and physical properties of nonwoven applicators in the form of disposable wipes composed of cotton, rayon, polyester, and blends thereof were evaluated with several assays. Dynamic wiping assays, surface roughness, and tensile testing were conducted to compare the physical and surface properties of the wipes. The removal of organic contaminants was found to correlate with higher wipe surface roughness that increased with cellulosic fiber content. Tensile testing demonstrated the greige cotton, which has not been subjected to processing such as scouring or bleaching, had increased wet strength while rayon wipes lost significant strength when wet. Greige cotton wipes were also produced as a sustainable product with reduced absorbency that would minimize water usage and waste. The results indicated that inclusion of greige cotton fibers in wipes offers improvements over currently available wipes without sacrificing strength or cleaning efficiency.

Physical and performance characteristics of nonwoven aviation wipers composed of various staple fibers including raw cotton

Several nonwoven materials were evaluated as candidates for wipe fabrics intended for sensitive applications, namely aviation maintenance. Wipes designed for this purpose must conform to specific guidelines delineated by the appropriate governing bodies. Fabric selections included both synthetic and natural staple fibers such as polyester, Lyocell and raw cotton varieties. A thorough evaluation of extractable material in an array of solvents revealed that cotton-based nonwovens as well as Lyocell have some of the lowest percentages of leachable solids. The resistance of these fabrics to abrasion and the damage incurred by them was also studied. Environmental scanning electron microscopy taken before and after the linting procedure showed that the greige cotton sample demonstrated some of the least damage. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy examinations of hexane extracts confirmed the absence of any silicone grease contamination on the wipes materials. Standardized tensile testing indicated that the cotton samples, especially mechanically cleaned greige cotton, have robust tensile properties that are important characteristics for wiping materials. These results indicate that cotton nonwovens, particularly greige cotton, are promising candidates for the development of future aviation and other wipes materials.

Structure/Function Analysis of Nonwoven Cotton Topsheet Fabrics: Multi-Fiber Blending Effects on Fluid Handling and Fabric Handle Mechanics.

Greige cotton (GC) has attracted interest in recent years as an eco-friendly, functional fiber for use in nonwoven topsheet materials. GC imparts favorable fluid management and sensorial properties associated with urinary liquid transport and indices related to comfort in wearable incontinence nonwovens. Nonwoven GC has material surface polarity, an ambient moisture content, and a lipid/polysaccharide matrix that imparts positive fluid mechanic properties applicable to incontinence management topsheet materials. However, a better understanding of the connection between functionality and compositional aspects of molecular, mechanical, and material property relations is still required to employ structure/function relations beyond a priori design. Thus, this study focuses on the relation of key indices of material fluid and sensorial functions to nonwoven topsheet composition. Greige cotton, polypropylene, bleached cotton, and polyester fiber blends were hydroentangled at 60, 80, and 100 bar. Greige cotton polypropylene and bleached cotton were blended at ratios to balance surface polarity, whereas low percentages of polyester were added to confer whiteness properties. Electrokinetic and contact angle measurements were obtained for the hydroentangled nonwovens to assess surface polarity in light of material composition. Notably, materials demonstrated a relation of hydrophobicity to swelling as determined electrokinetically by Δζ, ζplateau, and contact angles greater than 90°. Subsequently, three blended nonwoven fabrics were selected to assess effects on fluid management properties including topsheet performance indices of rewet, strikethrough, and fluid handling (rate and efficiency of transport to the absorbent core). These materials aligned well with commercial topsheet fluid mechanics. Using the Leeds University Fabric Handle Evaluation System (LUFHES), the nonwovens were tested for total fabric hand. The results of the LUFHES measurements are discussed in light of fiber contributions. Fiber ratios were found to correlate well with improvement in softness, flexibility, and formability. This study provides insights that improves the understanding of the multifunctional properties accessible with greige cotton toward decisions valuable to selecting greige cotton as an environmentally friendly fiber for nonwoven topsheets.

PROPERTIES OF HYDROENTANGLED NONWOVEN FABRICS MADE WITH GREIGE COTTON LINT, SELECTED MANMADE STAPLE FIBERS, AND THEIR INTIMATE BLENDS WITH THE LINT IN DIFFERENT BLEND RATIOS

For the first time ever, a preliminary study has been conducted to assess the effects of intimate blending of greige (raw) cotton and certain commonly used manmade fibers on properties of the resulting nonwoven fabrics made with different blend ratios. Implementing the hydroentanglement system of making nonwoven fabrics, twenty one (21) fabrics were made separately, using the selected pre-cleaned Upland greige cotton lint, polyester, polypropylene, Tencel, viscose rayon, bleached cotton, and intimate blends of the cotton lint with the other fibers in 80:20, 50:50 and 20:80 blend ratios. With the exception of 100% polypropylene fiber and its 80:20 intimate blends with cotton, all other fibers and their various blends with the greige cotton were processed on the mill-like equipment available at the Center. The fabrics were not scoured and/or bleached to totally remove the greige cotton’s native (hydrophobic) waxes. The results have shown that the improvement of desirable features of absorbency and whiteness of optimally blended greige cotton-based nonwoven fabrics could be significant incentives for rethinking cotton’s use in nonwovens, especially in the fem-hygienic products where the consumer’s choices of good absorbency, whiteness and comfort indeed matter!

Hydrogen Peroxide Generation of Copper/Ascorbate Formulations on Cotton: Effect on Antibacterial and Fibroblast Activity for Wound Healing Application.

Greige cotton (unbleached cotton) is an intact plant fiber that retains much of the outer cotton fiber layers. These layers contain pectin, peroxidases, and trace metals that are associated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generation during cotton fiber development. When greige cotton is subjected to a nonwoven hydroentanglement process, components of the outer cotton fiber layers are retained. When hydrated, this fabric can generate H2O2 (5–50 micromolar). This range has been characterized as inducing accelerated wound healing associated with enhanced cell signaling and the proliferation of cells vital to wound restoration. On the other hand, H2O2 levels above 50 micromolar have been associated with bacteriostatic activity. Here, we report the preparation and hydrogen peroxide activity of copper/ascorbate formulations, both as adsorbed and in situ synthesized analogs on cotton. The cooper/ascorbate-cotton formulations were designed with the goal of modulating hydrogen peroxide levels within functional ranges beneficial to wound healing. The cotton/copper formulation analogs were prepared on nonwoven unbleached cotton and characterized with cotton impregnation titers of 3–14 mg copper per gram of cotton. The copper/ascorbate cotton analog formulations were characterized spectroscopically, and the copper titer was quantified with ICP analysis and probed for peroxide production through assessment with Amplex Red. All analogs demonstrated antibacterial activity. Notably, the treatment of unbleached cotton with low levels of ascorbate (~2 mg/g cotton) resulted in a 99 percent reduction in Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. In situ synthesized copper/ascorbate nanoparticles retained activity and did not leach out upon prolonged suspension in an aqueous environment. An assessment of H2O2 effects on fibroblast proliferation are discussed in light of the copper/cotton analogs and wound healing.

Characterization of cotton fabric scouring by Fourier transform-infrared attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and water absorption measurements

Surface sensitive Fourier transform-infrared attenuated total reflectance (ATR) accessories using different crystals as well as incident beam angles were examined for the characterization of cotton fabric scouring. The extra sharp antisymmetric and symmetric C-H stretching peaks due to long chain alkyls at 2918 and 2849 cm−1 were observed in greige cotton fabrics with a tendency to be more profound with the ATR cell with bigger incident angles and a higher refractive index, due to less depth of penetration. Water absorption data and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses indicated that these peaks were mostly caused by secondary added paraffin wax of higher linear alkanes (C22 to C30) and cotton wax of C16 and C18 fatty acids in free form. Absence of these peaks alone did not result in sufficient water absorption. No observation of carboxylate (COO−) peak at 1600 cm−1 together ensured a successful scouring. Presence of this weak peak can be further confirmed by the reversible shift between 1600 cm−1 and 1750 cm−1 of protonated carboxylic acids (COOH) under non-destructive and quick HCl or NH3 vapor exposures on cotton samples.

Thermal stress induction for improving the absorption of raw cotton fabric and its effect on the morphology of in situ synthesized Cu nano particles

Chemical processes for improving cotton fabric absorption, such as scouring, are costly and not environmentally friendly. This study introduced a novel and eco-friendly method based on thermal shock for this purpose. Greige cotton fabric samples underwent different thermal shock sequences with dry ice and boiling and cooling water. The samples were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, methylene blue number and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller absorption isotherm were used for specific surface area measurement. A constant-rate-of-extension type tensile testing machine was also used to determine the tensile mechanical properties of the fabrics, and the effect of thermal shock on moisture regain, water absorption time, and amount of wax removal were investigated. Finally, nanoparticles of copper (Cu) were synthesized in situ on both the thermally shocked and greige fabric samples, and the absorption and particle size were compared. The thermally shocked samples showed longitudinal micro cracks, their water absorbency time decreased and their moisture regain increased (up to 14%). After treatment, no significant shrinkage or strength loss was detected. Synthesized Cu nanoparticles without the presence of cotton substrate showed a mean size larger than 825 nm, but particle sizes decreased to 297 and 69 nm in the presence of the greige and the DiH8 cotton fabric samples, respectively. The morphology of Cu nano particles altered from octahedral to spherical and was more homogeneously distributed for thermally shocked sample.

Non-Bleaching Heather Method for Improved Whiteness of Greige Cotton

In accordance with the color space theory known as additive light mixing, the presence of dispersed blue-dyed fiber reduced the overall yellowness of a blended greige fiber and they were perceived as “whiter”. Various intimate blends of blue-dyed cotton fiber in greige cotton fiber were analyzed for color properties using a L*a*b* color space chromameter and a Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer. A design of experiments (DOE) matrix approach provided a statistically-based mathematical means to predict the color properties of the intimate blends. The predictive accuracy of the mathematical model was confirmed in a follow-up experiment, and the blend resulting in the lowest yellowness and highest whiteness was determined. For fiber end uses which are too cost sensitive to support comprehensive wet chemical treatment of all of the fiber, such as nonwovens, intimate blending with low amounts of dyed fiber could produce visible effects at lower cost.

Induction of Low-Level Hydrogen Peroxide Generation by Unbleached Cotton Nonwovens as Potential Wound Dressing Materials.

Greige cotton is an intact plant fiber. The cuticle and primary cell wall near the outer surface of the cotton fiber contains pectin, peroxidases, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and trace metals, which are associated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generation during cotton fiber development. Traditionally, the processing of cotton into gauze involves scouring and bleaching processes that remove the components in the cuticle and primary cell wall. The use of unbleached, greige cotton fibers in dressings, has been relatively unexplored. We have recently determined that greige cotton can generate low levels of H2O2 (5–50 micromolar). Because this may provide advantages for the use of greige cotton-based wound dressings, we have begun to examine this in more detail. Both brown and white cotton varieties were examined in this study. Brown cotton was found to have a relatively higher hydrogen peroxide generation and demonstrated different capacities for H2O2 generation, varying from 1 to 35 micromolar. The H2O2 generation capacities of white and brown nonwoven greige cottons were also examined at different process stages with varying chronology and source parameters, from field to nonwoven fiber. The primary cell wall of nonwoven brown cotton appeared very intact, as observed by transmission electron microscopy, and possessed higher pectin levels. The levels of pectin, SOD, and polyphenolics, correlated with H2O2 generation.

Effect of Micronaire on Oil Sorption Capacity of Three Different Types of Greige Cotton-Based Nonwoven Substrates

Satisfactory oil sorption properties and biodegradability of natural fibers have generated renewed interest in the development of oil sorbents for potential use in the cleanup and recovery of offshore oil spills. The objective of this study was to compare the oil sorption capacity of three different types of nonwoven substrates made with two distinctly different grades of greige (raw) cotton of low and high micronaire. These substrates included a needlepunched fabric, a hydroentangled fabric, and a bundle of only loose cotton fibers. The study showed that substrates made with low micronaire cotton exhibited a greater oil sorption capacity compared to those made with high micronaire cotton. The loose-fiber substrate had a greater oil sorption capacity compared to the other two types of substrates.

Improvement of Ecofriendly and Antibacterial Behaviors on Blended Knit Fabrics

Yarns (30/1 Ne) consisting of four different fibers were produced in different blends and knitted into single jersey fabrics. Antibacterial properties, water retention capacity, hydrophilicity, whiteness, and yellowness values of these fabrics were tested. Chitosan or lyocell fibers were added in mixtures, increasing the antibacterial activity, hydrophilicity, and water retention capacity of the resulting fabrics. Whiteness values of knitted fabrics produced from poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and lyocell fibers were quite high. Water retention capacity and hydrophilicity of these fabrics were better when compared to fabrics that included greige cotton fibers.

Preparation, Characterization and Activity of a Peptide-Cellulosic Aerogel Protease Sensor from Cotton.

Nanocellulosic aerogels (NA) provide a lightweight biocompatible material with structural properties, like interconnected high porosity and specific surface area, suitable for biosensor design. We report here the preparation, characterization and activity of peptide-nanocellulose aerogels (PepNA) made from unprocessed cotton and designed with protease detection activity. Low-density cellulosic aerogels were prepared from greige cotton by employing calcium thiocyanate octahydrate/lithium chloride as a direct cellulose dissolving medium. Subsequent casting, coagulation, solvent exchange and supercritical carbon dioxide drying afforded homogeneous cellulose II aerogels of fibrous morphology. The cotton-based aerogel had a porosity of 99% largely dominated by mesopores (2–50 nm) and an internal surface of 163 m2·g−1. A fluorescent tripeptide-substrate (succinyl-alanine-proline-alanine-4-amino-7-methyl-coumarin) was tethered to NA by (1) esterification of cellulose C6 surface hydroxyl groups with glycidyl-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (FMOC), (2) deprotection and (3) coupling of the immobilized glycine with the tripeptide. Characterization of the NA and PepNA included techniques, such as elemental analysis, mass spectral analysis, attenuated total reflectance infrared imaging, nitrogen adsorption, scanning electron microscopy and bioactivity studies. The degree of substitution of the peptide analog attached to the anhydroglucose units of PepNA was 0.015. The findings from mass spectral analysis and attenuated total reflectance infrared imaging indicated that the peptide substrate was immobilized on to the surface of the NA. Nitrogen adsorption revealed a high specific surface area and a highly porous system, which supports the open porous structure observed from scanning electron microscopy images. Bioactivity studies of PepNA revealed a detection sensitivity of 0.13 units/milliliter for human neutrophil elastase, a diagnostic biomarker for inflammatory diseases. The physical properties of the aerogel are suitable for interfacing with an intelligent protease sequestrant wound dressing.

Water, Moisture, and Ash Content of Mechanically-Cleaned Greige Cotton, Naturally-Colored Brown Cotton, Flax, and Rayon

This exploratory research evaluated the Karl Fischer Titration (KFT) reference method (ASTM D7785) to accurately measure water content of mechanically-cleaned greige cotton, a naturally-colored brown cotton, flax, and rayon at moisture equilibrium. Each sample was analyzed by KFT, standard oven drying in ambient air, and isothermal thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) using dry air and nitrogen carrier gases. Water content, as measured by KFT, was (%): mechanically-cleaned greige cotton, 6.82, brown cotton, 7.88, flax, 8.72, and rayon, 11.74. There was a significant difference between water and moisture contents by standard oven drying. Similar differences were observed between TGA in air and nitrogen and varied with ash content. The findings support the use of KFT to determine water content of these diverse cellulosic textile fibers.

Fluid handling and fabric handle profiles of hydroentangled greige cotton and spunbond polypropylene nonwoven topsheets

Wettable nonwoven topsheets are traditionally spunbond polypropylene nonwoven fabrics. The fluid handling performance of hydroentangled greige cotton nonwovens was studied to determine their suitability for topsheet applications based upon analysis of fluid rewet, strikethrough, and acquisition properties; and the relative contributions of nonwoven cotton’s cellulosic and wax components to hydrophobic and hydrophilic fluid transport properties are addressed. It was observed that mechanically cleaned greige cotton nonwovens exhibit certain fluid handling properties that are similar to polypropylene spunbond-meltblown topsheets, partly as a result of the residual wax content. Subsequently, the surface polarity, swelling, and moisture uptake of 100% greige cotton and 50:50 blends of greige cotton and polypropylene hydroentangled nonwovens were studied in comparison with the performance of a commercially available 100% polypropylene spunbond-meltblown topsheets. The surface polarity, swelling, and wettability values obtained from electrokinetic and water contact angle analysis were found to be in agreement with the hydrophobic polypropylene topsheets. Additionally, comfort assessment was undertaken based upon fabric handle profiles using the Leeds University Fabric Handle Evaluation System, which is an objective evaluation based on the quantification of fabric buckling deformations. Of the fabrics studied in this work, 50:50 greige cotton/polypropylene hydroentangled fabrics were the softest as determined by the Leeds University Fabric Handle Evaluation System and exhibited fluid handling properties consistent with the requirements of commercial topsheets.