Abstract
A new method of estimating cotton fiber dimensions is developed, based on the geometrical properties of a loosely-coiled fiber. The theoretical principles are supported by experimental studies based on actual microscopic measurements of a wide range of cotton fiber types. The procedure involved cutting short segments ( ca. 2 mm) from the midregions of the fibers and mounting them in minimal amounts of a suitable clearing/mounting medium (3 parts 85% lactic acid: 1 part isopropyl alcohol). Fibers so prepared can be measured more accurately then dry fibers, although the mounting medium induces a slight swelling of the fiber walls.

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