Important Properties of Cotton Fibers

Length of low grade short-staple cotton is less than 20 mm
Length of medium grade, medium-staple cotton ranges from 20-30 mm
Length of high grade, long staple cotton ranges from 30-65 mm
Cotton fibres do not have any natural luster except the Sea Island cotton
Cotton fibres have flat, twisted, ribbon-like structure
Cotton tenacity ranges from 20-45 g/tex.
Cotton tenacity may increase up to 25% when wet.
Standard moisture regain of cotton is around 8.5%.
Cotton fabrics can absorb water or perspiration quickly but they do not dry quickly
Cotton clothes are cool to wear because cotton, being a good conductor of heat, allows body heat to get across easily.
Cotton is not damaged by alkalis
Cotton is not very extensible. The elongation at break (EAB) of cotton ranges from 5-10%.
Cotton fabrics are prone to creasing unless treated with suitable finishing agents
Cotton fabrics have tendency to shrink, particularly in alkaline solutions
Cotton fabrics soil easily because of rough surface of cotton yarns
Cotton may be weakened or damaged by acidic solutions or hot concentrated bleaches
Cotton may also be attacked by mildew and moths
Cotton clothes are not as durable as those made from polyester or nylon
Cotton is highly flammable (LOI 18)