Cotton
From MaterialProject.org, the free architectural material catalog
Contents |
Material analysis
MasterFormat Number: 12 05 13
Material properties
Material performance
- Cotton fiber (unlike cotton fabric) is relatively dimensionally stable but, like other cellulose fibers, has a low elasticity and resiliency.
- It is one of the densest fibers.
- Known for comfort, cotton wicks away moisture along the fiber and through the fabric.
- Abrasion Resistance:Good
- Absorbency (% MR):8 1/2
- Drapability:Fair
- Wash or Dry Clean:Either
- Sunlight Resistance:Fair
- Hand:Good
- Pilling Resistance:Good
- Resiliency:Poor
- Static Resistance:Good
- Strength:3.5-5.0
- (Grams/Denier:Good
- Thermoplastic:No
Dimensional and opening restriction
Dimensional restrictions
- Staple Fiber lengths vary from 6mm to 60mm (!/4 inch to 2½ inch)
Manufacturing process and assembly
- In the mid – 1800’s, a calico printer named John Mercer developed a process to give cotton a silky finish. Mercerized cotton is produced by treating cotton yarn under tension to increase its strength and reduce shrinkage. This process causes the fiber to swell slightly, making it appear rounder and smoother. The smoother surface increases the light reflection off the fiber surface thus giving a more lustrous appearance.(McGowen, 106)
Environment and Life Safety
Environmental impact
- Renewable Resource
Flammability rating
- Flammable and easily wrinkled, this fabric is used more in the apparel Industry than in commercial interiors. (McGowen, 106)
References
Notes
A. Cohen, Beyond Basic Textiles, New York, Fairchilds Publications, 1982, p.5
Student contributions
- Katie Dubicki, Fall 2005
- Neha Sethi, Spring 2008
See also
Similar materials
- edit this entry
- edit this entry
External links
Leading manufacturers
- California Cotton Ginners Association and the California Cotton Growers Association
