The Role of Spiral Structure in Untreated and Treated Cottons

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Abstract
The untwisting of the spiral structure was observed as load was applied to the cotton fiber. Reversals are shown to be a vital structural feature which affects the twisting. A reversing spirality represents an idealized structure for obtaining optimum strength, elongation, and elastic recovery from the straight-chain molecules of cellulose. Friction between growth layers and fibrils in such a structure is suggested as a possible cause for permanent set, low intrinsic strength of highly oriented cotton, and the weak points near their reversals. The spiral structure persists through mercerization even though tension is applied; however, the X-ray angle is reduced appreciably. The high alignment achieved by resin treatment of cotton while under tension causes a reduction in elongation and increase in strength from that of slack treatment. The high alignment in cotton resin-treated with tension persists through washing with a detergent in water. Differences between properties of cotton are reduced but not eliminated by mercerization and resin treatment.