Physical Properties of Chemically Modified Cottons

Abstract

Yarns manufactured from samples of the same six cotton varieties discussed in the previous paper were partially acetylated to an acetyl content of approximately 24% while held under tension. Certain physical properties of the component fibers, fiber bundles, and yarns were then measured. The changes in most properties were found to be associated with differences in the cottons and the acetyl contents. The averages for breaking loads and tenacities of the fibers were decreased while their linear densities and secant moduli were increased. Breaking loads, linear densities, and secant moduli of the yarns were increased. Elongation of the yarns at break was decreased, while tenacity remained essentially unchanged. The changes were greater for some cottons than for others; whether the changes were advantageous or disadvantageous would depend somewhat upon the use to which acetylated cotton is to be put.