Effects of Washing on Fiber Properties, Dust Generation, and Processing Quality of Cotton1

Abstract

Thoroughly washed cotton has been exempted from the OSHA cotton dust standard. For insuring worker safety and health and for possible economic benefit, processing of washed cotton may be a realistic method for dealing with the cotton dust problem, at least for some segments of the cotton textile industry. Cottons washed under different conditions of time, temperature, detergency, and fiber finish were evaluated for effects on noncellulosic constituents, fiber properties, dust generation, and processing and yarn qualities. The more severe washing treatments adversely affected fiber length and removed large percentages of the natural waxes, whereas, the milder treatments did not affect fiber properties and left the natural waxes intact. All washing treatments reduced dust in processing. Washing generally had some adverse effect on processing and yarn qualities, but all washed cottons were processed into commercially acceptable yarns.