Cotton Fibre Physical and Mechanical Properties
category
Cotton fibre physical and mechanical properties are measured by HVI (High Volume Instrument, ASTM D4605) systems testing 400–800 fibres in 20 seconds per sample. Key properties include upper half mean length (UHML, 25–40 mm), uniformity index (UI = mean length/UHML × 100, 80–90%), short fibre content (SFC <10% premium, >15% problematic), strength (26–50 g/tex), elongation (5–10%), micronaire (2.5–6.0, measures fineness and maturity combined), colour (Rd brightness 65–85, +b yellowness 6–15), and trash content (0.1–5.0% area). Advanced fibre information system (AFIS) measures individual fibre properties including nep count (50–300 neps/g acceptable), seed coat nep content, and fibre length by number (Ln) and weight (Lw) distribution. Fibre fineness expressed as linear density in millitex (100–200 mtex) or as maturity ratio (0.70–1.00).
Role
Comprehensive fibre property measurement forms the scientific basis for cotton classing, price setting, spinning system selection, yarn count capability prediction, and quality management throughout the entire cotton textile manufacturing chain.