Fiber Structure and Mechanical Properties of Untreated and Modified Cottons

A brief review of investigations relating fiber structure to mechanical properties of cotton is given. The relationship of fibril alignment, as measured by the x-ray technique, to the strength and elongation properties of cottons covering a wide range in physical properties is discussed. Alteration of mechanical properties of cotton brought about by degradation in hydrochloric acid, mercerization, decrystallization in ethylamine, resin treatment, and acetylation are related to changes in the fiber structure. The effects of stresses imposed during some treatments are discussed.