EVALUATING STAPLE FIBER PROCESSING PROPENSITY PART I - PROCESSING PROPENSITY OF COTTON FIBERS

In this study, we present a novel approach to simulate and characteriz e the behavior of fibers during processing using a modified version of the familiar rotor ring system. With this modification, we attempt to create an area approximately resembling the carding zone and measure the energy required to shear the fibers in this area. We then use the energy readings to provide an index of fiber processing propensity. Su ch an index is believed to be a function of combined fiber cohesion an d fiber resiliency. In addition to the rotor ring, we present correspo nding results from other independent techniques such as NIR wax analys is and sliver cohesion. The most important finding of this part of the study is that deterioration in the quality of yarns and fabrics shoul d not be rationalized only on the basis of standard fiber properties ( such as length, fineness, and strength) and that measures of processin g propensity, wax content, and surface cohesion provide a complete pic ture of fiber processibility and its impact on end product quality.