Minimal build of static electricity:
All fibres acquire small charges of static electricity due to friction. Static charge accumulates less readily on cotton than other fibres which means it does not attract dirt or dust to the same extent ass some other fibres. the rough surfaces of some cotton yarns, however, mean that fabrics made from them may soil more easily.
Absorbency:
Water can penetrate the fibre so that dirt can be washed out. Cotton therefore is relativity easy to keep clean,
Conductivity:
Cotton is a good conductor of heat, which makes it very comfortable to wear.
Good reaction to chemicals:
Cotton can be treated with many textile finishes, which improve its performance and/or enhance its appearance.
Versatility:
It can be woven and knitted into a wide range of fabrics.
Other qualities:
Properties such as crease resistance, shrink resistance, water repellence stain repellence and flame resistance can be built in during processing.
Appearance:
This can be changed with ease. For example; by bleaching, embossing, glazing, mercerisation, or treating it with caustic soda.
Q) Discuss the disadvantages of cotton as a fabric and explain how modern developments have helped to overcome these.
Cotton has the following drawbacks:
- Cotton is not very extensible. Therefore, untreated cotton tends to crease badly. To overcome this problem, cotton can be blended with polyester.
- Tends to turn yellow, and be weakened by prolonged exposure to sunlight.
- It will scorch when exposed to temperatures above 240ºC. This means the temperature for ironing must be limited to the hot setting.
- It is damaged by mildew and therefore must not be stored in the damp.
Q) Why would cotton said to be an environmentally unfriendly fabric in respect of its growth and manufacture of the cloth? What new developments have been seen that are helping to rectify the problems?
A) Chemical fertilizers and pesticides and pesticides used during growth of plants are harmful. Cotton growing uses 25% of total world pesticides use. Organic cotton can help to solve this problem. Organic cotton does away with the use of chemicals for growing crop and reduces risk to farmers, workers and land.. Cotton can be recycled which helps the environment.
Q)Explain why fibres are blended. Say why a blend of polyester and cotton is so successful. Suggest three textile items that this blended fabric would be especially useful for:
A) A polyester/cotton blend is a very successful blend because not only does it improve the quality of performance and comfort, but it also improves the ease of use and sometimes the appearance of a fabric. A polycotton blend is used in products such as bed linen, school trousers and sportswear.
