ARS | Publication request: Update of cotton maturity, fineness, and micronaire measurements

Submitted to: International Cotton Advisory Committee Recorder
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: August 5, 2006
Publication Date: September 30, 2005
Citation: Montalvo Jr, J.G., Von Hoven, T.M., Pozo, M., Blake, W.T., Huang, X., Thibodeaux, D.P., Rodgers III, J.E. 2005. Update of cotton maturity, fineness, and micronaire measurements. International Cotton Advisory Committee Recorder. 23(3):13-23.

Interpretive Summary: The micronaire of cotton is a combined measure of fiber fineness and maturity. Fineness and maturity are important because yarn made from fine fibers is stronger, and mature fibers absorb dye better. Improvements in the technology for measurements of these important fiber attributes are needed. SRRC continues to be actively involved in advancing the measurements through fundamental research, instrumentation and method development, and technology transfer. This report brings the reader up to date on this work. Key topics include: new plotting models to enhance correlations between the parameters; inclusion of over a million cross sections for the image analysis reference method; creation of master sample sets to calibrate high-speed devices to measure the fiber properties; and comparative evaluation of fast bench-top and portable units. This research may help to improve the micronaire, fineness and maturity database on US cottons, which could increase cotton consumption. ARS will receive global recognition of the article since it will be published in three languages and distributed in about 50 countries.

Technical Abstract: Micronaire is of pracatical importance for international cotton classers and spinners (Heap, 2000). It is an indication of both fineness and maturity and has been used as a substitute when these measures are not available. A relatively low micronaire is explained as a predictor of problems in processing due to immature cotton or as fine fibers with adequate maturity. Similarly, growers may receive a discounted price for high micronaire. This is predictable for coarse cotton and is undesirable from the point of spinning and yarn evenness or from fibers with adequate fineness and good maturity. These fuzzy assignments of a micronaire value to the corresponding maturity and fineness levels make it increasingly clear tha th latter measures are needed in cotton trade.