ENDOTOXIN REDUCTION IN COTTON FIBERS - EFFECT OF FLASH HEATING ON ENDOTOXIN CONTENT, FIBER PHYSICAL-PROPERTIES, AND PROCESSABILITY

Raw cotton fiber was heated by three processes (metal plates, forced d raft laboratory oven, and gas-fired pilot plant dryer) to compare thei r effect on endotoxin content of the fiber. To achieve about 90% reduc tion in endotoxin content, it was necessary to treat the cotton betwee n the metal plates for 120 seconds at 215-degrees-C (419-degrees-F), i n the forced draft oven for 60 seconds at 250-degrees-C (482-degrees-F ), or in the pilot plant dryer for 15-20 seconds at 250-degrees-255-de grees-C (500-degrees-F). Fabric could be knit from heated cotton despi te reductions in fiber bundle tenacity and elongation and yam tenacity caused by the heat treatment. Heat-induced discoloration could be eli minated by a desize/scour/bleach treatment of fabric knit from heated cotton.