Work

Validation of new cotton fiber friction testing method: Assessing the effect of fiber surface chemistry on friction

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Cotton fiber friction is crucial in regulating fiber flow during spinning and can influence yarn quality. Cotton wax acts as a natural lubricant and may impact fiber-to-fiber friction. Previously, a new method was developed for measuring cotton fiber-to-fiber friction. In the present study, the new method was employed to investigate the effects of noncellulosic materials on fiber-to-fiber friction using white, green, and brown cotton samples. All three cotton samples were subjected to xylene treatments under varying sample forms, durations, and temperatures to remove wax and other noncellulosic components. The new method was then used to measure fiber-to-fiber friction of both control and treated samples. Xylene treatment resulted in increased friction values across all cotton types. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to evaluate changes in the surface chemistry due to xylene treatment. The FTIR analysis showed a reduction in noncellulosic materials, primarily wax, in treated samples. Furthermore, the principal component analysis (PCA) of FTIR data revealed a clear distinction between control and treated samples, supporting the reduction of noncellulosic materials. Overall, wax reduction resulted in higher friction values of xylene-treated samples, and the new method effectively measured this, demonstrating further validation of its effectiveness for cotton fiber-to-fiber friction measurement.

Source: Industrial Crops and Products

DOI: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2025.122211

Authors: Susmita Saha, Christopher Turner, Shaida S. Rumi, Addisu Ferede Tesema, Noureddine Abidi

Institution: Texas Tech University

Language: English

Topic: Textile materials and evaluations

Subfield: Polymers and Plastics

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,720

Funder: Cotton Incorporated