Predicting yarn processing performance from the noncellulosic content of raw cottons

Noncellulosic materials on raw cottons can influence spinning performance. Chemical and physical tests are conducted on a series of nonsticky single-season upland cottons originating from three U.S. growing areas. Relationships are determined between yarn production performance and efficiency and fiber frictional and physical properties as well as nonfibrous material content for three different spinning systems. Fiber micronaire significantly influences results. Increases in yarn strength correlate with increasing levels of total fiber alcohol surface extractables, wax, and potassium content. Processing ends down increases in ring and open-end spinning and decreases in vortex spinning as fiber alcohol surface extractables, wax, and light metal content increase. Ends down decrease in ring an open-end spinning and increase in vortex spinning as the HVI trash measurement increases. Uster yarn evenness neps and thick and thin places decrease in ring and open-end and increase in vortex yarns as alcohol surface extractables increase. Fiber yellowness and grayness increase as concentrations of the metals potassium, magnesium, and iron increase.