Targeted Fiber Length Distribution for Improvement of Yarn Quality

Cotton fiber length distributions have been shown to better predict yarn quality compared to individual length parameters generated from the High Volume Instrument (HVI). However, length distribution data for commercial cotton bales is severely lacking compared to more commonly measured fiber parameters. As a result, it is difficult to find cotton bales with the adequate variation in distributions needed to characterize its effect on yarn quality. To circumvent this problem, two cotton bales differing in upper half mean length were acquired, blended at various ratios during the drawing stage of yarn production, and processed into ring spun yarns. Variable fiber length distributions created from the blending procedure should result in changes in yarn quality that can then be compared back to their respective distributions. Advanced Fiber Information System (AFIS) testing was performed at each step of yarn processing to track changes to the distribution and ring spun yarn produced and tested for imperfection and tensile properties. This procedure produced a good range of distributions at each step of processing and final yarn quality ranging from below to above the benchmark value of the Uster 50% statistic. The subtle variation between different distributions can help to identify characteristics that would be useful for cotton breeders interested in selecting varieties whose fibers will likely produce yarns with superior quality and better marketability.