Influence of Cotton Fiber Strength and Fineness on Fiber Damage during Lint Cleaning

Abstract

Seven sources of cotton representing a wide range of fiber properties were roller ginned, saw ginned, or saw ginned plus processed through tandem saw lint cleaners or through an aggressive carding-type cleaner (Cottonmaster1). Lint cleaner induced changes in fiber length and nep count were compared to fiber property measurements from roller ginned samples. Fiber length deterioration from saw ginning was negatively correlated with fiber strength. Fiber breakage in lint cleaning was positively correlated with fiber fineness. Resistance to fiber length damage in ginning was explained best by fiber strength and fineness, or an estimate of individual fiber strength. Initial and final nep level were related to fineness, nonlint content, and upper quartile length, but an increase in neps due to lint cleaning had no significant relationship to fiber properties.