ARS | Publication request: Approaches of using the beard testing method to obtain complete length distributions of the original samples

Submitted to: National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: February 21, 2012
Publication Date: April 16, 2012
Citation: Cai, Y., Cui, X., Rodgers III, J.E., Martin, V., Watson, M. 2012. Approaches of using the beard testing method to obtain complete length distributions of the original samples. National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference. p.1233-1237.

Interpretive Summary: Cotton fiber length is a key property in cotton trade and processing. By measuring a fiber beard instead of individual fibers, devices using the beard method can rapidly measure a cotton sample’s length. However, such devices can report only several length parameters, but not the complete length distribution, which is important for better evaluating a cotton sample and suiting customers’ different needs. This research aimed to get the complete length distribution of the original cotton sample. In this paper we report our research that studied comprehensive aspects in this area. The two new approaches we developed (the partial least squares method and the staple diagram method) are showed good potential for obtaining the original cotton length distribution from the beard testing method and improving the current beard testing devices. Comparisons between length distribution results from the approaches and those from experimental data show good agreements.

Technical Abstract: The fiber testing instruments such as HVI can rapidly measure fiber length by testing a tapered fiber beard of the sample. But these instruments that use the beard testing method only report a limited number of fiber length parameters instead of the complete length distribution that is important for better evaluation of the original cotton sample for a customer’s specific needs. We have conducted research to get a complete length distribution of an original cotton sample. The research included the statistic descriptions of cotton fiber length distributions, the partial least squares method, the staple diagram method, and the experimental procedures and data. The results indicate that the models and procedures we adopted have a good potential for obtaining the original cotton fiber length distribution from the beard test.