The Surface of Cotton Fibers

Abstract

The topography of unmoditied cotton fibers has been examined microscopically by means of surface replica techniques. The outstanding characteristic of the surface is a system of roughly parallel ridges and grooves spiraling around the fiber at an acute angle (usually 20 30 ) to its axis. The pattern of the surface is a reflection of the spiral fibrillar structure of the cellulose beneath the primary wall of the fiber. The average height and distance between ridges is approximately 0.5 micron. and many of the ridges are 10 or more microns in length. The surfaces of most native cottons are quite similar, although statistically significant differences in the average distance between ridges were found between certain samples The surface of fibers from unopened bolls is relatively smooth, but assumes the roughness of the typical fiber on drying for the first time. A characteristic surface formation ap peared to be associated with fibers known to have undergone compression. Drastic abrasion largely obliterates the normal appearance of the fiber surface.