Project Number: 6435-44000-075-07
Project Type: Trust

Start Date: Jan 01, 2012
End Date: Dec 31, 2012

Objective:
The primary objectives of this program are 1) to establish the feasibility of using portable color spectrophotometers to measure cotton fiber color in the laboratory and at-line, with initial emphasis on Rd; 2) to develop portable color instrument, sampling, and measurement protocols; and 3) to implement the laboratory and remote location/at-line fiber color measurements with portable color spectrophotometers.

Approach:
Cotton Incorporated’s Engineered Fiber Selection (EFS) system incorporates color data in order to recommend which bales to be used in a lay-down/mill processing. Recently, it has been reported that some bales, especially those transported overseas, appear to have change significantly in color, especially for yellowness. Cotton Incorporated is interested in “on-site”/remote location measurements of cotton color that will yield “real time” color values, with emphasis on yellowness. The approach for this project will be expanded comparative instrument evaluations to develop sampling and measurement protocols and systems for portable color measurements both in the laboratory and in remote locations. Specific components of the plan of work include 1) expand the use of Hunterlab MSEZ portable spectrophotometer for +b measurements in remote locations, 2) feasibility evaluations of the Hunterlab MSEZ for Rd and instrumental parameters, and 3) procedures/protocols to minimize sample preparation impacts; and 4) procedures to interface the improved spectrophotometer Rd measurement into the EFS system.