Mechanical Properties of Cotton Fibers and Their Response to Mercerization1

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Abstract
Fifty fibers from twelve widely different cottons were mercerized by a single fiber mercerization treatment at 0.1 g. tension. The changes in the fiber extensibility prop erties brought about by this treatment were related to the degree of fibrillar orientation as estimated by the initial Young's modulus of elasticity. Although the fiber strength was increased by this treatment, no relationship was found between the magnitude of this increase and the degree of orientation. Three of the cottons were mercerized at several tension levels ranging from no tension to 1.0 g. tension. The changes in fiber mechanical properties due to mercerization were found to be highly dependent upon the tension exerted on the fiber during the treatment. A tension of 0.1-0.2 g. appears to be the proper restraining force to overcome the tendency of cotton fibers to shrink during mercerization.

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