Eric F. Hequet1, Noureddine Abidi1, and John R. Gannaway2. (1) International Textile Center and Dept. Plant & Soil Science, Texas Tech University, Po Box 45019, Lubbock, TX 79409, (2) Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, Rt 3, Box 219, Lubbock, TX 79401
Cotton breeding programs must deliver fibers that perform better in textile manufacturing in order to compete effectively with the various man-made fibers and with international growths of cotton. While the improvement of fiber tenacity has been for many years the focus of these programs, elongation has not been included because calibration cottons are lacking. Yet, the work of rupture (of a bundle of fiber or yarn) is critically important and is determined by both tenacity and elongation. In this study, we demonstrated that a combination of fiber properties could provide good estimates of yarn elongation and yarn strength (ring spun yarn) over a large range of counts. Yarn elongation could be estimated from HVI elongation and HVI UHML (R-squared = 0.844) while yarn strength could be estimated from AFIS Mean Length by weight, AFIS Standard Fineness, and AFIS Maturity Ratio (R-squared = 0.938). Therefore, even though the HVI elongation measurement needs to be perfected, its use in breeding programs could lead to improved yarn quality and processing performance (from the gin to the shirt).
Presentation