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Fibre obtained from the ripe pods of the cotton plant. The plant is
approximately 40 cm. high, with red and yellow leaves and flowers. When
the flower is fertilized, it loses its petals and in 25 days a pod
surrounded by a leaf called a bract grows. The pod is held up by a calyx
and has the shape of a round drop in the lower part. Inside the pod there
are 5 to 8 seeds on which the fibres develop. When the pod is ripe it
opens into 4 parts showing the wad of cotton. The first procedure after
harvesting is the shelling, or the seperation of the fibres from the seeds.
Then the cotton is teased and combed so as to eliminate all the impurities.
Commercially speaking the length of the cotton fibres is very important,
because the threads obtained from long fibres are more valuable. The
largest cultivators of cotton are America, India, China, Egypt, Pakistan,
Sudan, and Eastern Europe.
Cotton Traits
95%
celluloid composition, light, soft and absorbent. Cotton fibre, not as
strong as linen, does not wear down but breaks, it is unelastic and
therefore creases. Frequent washing and exposure to the sun tend to
discolour cotton fabrics. Cotton fabrics are used in the production of
house-linen and summer clothing, especially for women. Cotton as distinct
from linen fabrics are not excessively expensive.
How to treat
cotton garments
Wash white
cotton articles for the house and clothing in the washing machine at 60°C,
wash coloured fabrics at lower temperatures. Generally iron on the right
side. Iron dark garments first on the down side and then on the right
side., with a cloth so as to avoid that the heat shines the fabric. White
drapery and items of clothing can be starched to give them added body
thereby avoiding easy creasing. For the treatment of articles not 100%
cotton but a mixture of different fibres follow the manufacturer's
instructions on the label. |
Textile
fibres
Internat.
fibres
