Endotoxin Reduction in Cotton Fibers: Effect of Flash Heating on Endotoxin Content, Fiber Physical Properties, and Processability

Abstract

Raw cotton fiber was heated by three processes ( metal plates, forced draft laboratory oven, and gas-fired pilot plant dryer) to compare their effect on endotoxin content of the fiber. To achieve about 90% reduction in endotoxin content, it was necessary to treat the cotton between the metal plates for 120 seconds at 215°C (419°F), in the forced draft oven for 60 seconds at 250°C (482°F), or in the pilot plant dryer for 15- 20 seconds at 250°-255°C (500°F). Fabric could be knit from heated cotton despite reductions in fiber bundle tenacity and elongation and yarn tenacity caused by the heat treatment. Heat-induced discoloration could be eliminated by a desize / scour / bleach treatment of fabric knit from heated cotton.