Interrelationships between cotton fiber quality traits and fluid handling and moisture management properties of nonwoven textiles

Abstract

Cotton fibers represent a sustainable and environmentally responsible raw material for the production of nonwoven textiles which are currently dominated by synthetic fibers derived from petrochemicals. Natural variation in quality parameters such as fineness, length, and strength present a challenge for cotton fiber conversion to yarns and in weaving and knitting for conventional textiles. The grading process for cotton fibers addresses this issue by allowing converters to select fibers suitable for specific woven textile applications. However, there has been little attempt to correlate cotton fiber quality traits with nonwoven textiles performance. This study examined the relationship of cotton fiber quality and fluid handling and moisture management performance properties of nonwoven textiles for personal hygiene and disposable applications. This includes potential end-use in diapers and incontinence products as well as disposable textiles for use in clinical settings. Ten recombinant inbred lines of cotton with a broad distribution of fiber quality traits were selected from a multiparent advanced generation intercross population. Fibers were harvested, converted into nonwoven textiles, and subjected to a series of standardized testing protocols. The results indicated that inferior quality coarse cotton fibers subjected to discount market pricing can be selectively utilized for nonwoven applications that benefit from improved moisture management and fluid handling performance.