ARS | Publication request: Fiber properties of saw and roller ginned naturally colored cotton

Submitted to: National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: June 12, 2009
Publication Date: June 12, 2009
Citation: Funk, P.A., Gamble, G.R. 2009. Fiber properties of saw and roller ginned naturally colored cotton. National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference. 2009 CD 1205-1210.

Interpretive Summary: To protect white cottons from contamination, naturally colored cottons require separation, cleaning, inspection and other special treatment that greatly increase the cost and difficulty of ginning. Constructing a gin plant dedicated to naturally colored cottons is one possible solution. Their unique fiber properties required a careful test to determine which type of gin would best preserve their premium value. This information has helped investors decide what type of plant to build in California.

Technical Abstract: Naturally colored cottons have economic and environmental appeal because they do not require dyeing. Naturally colored cottons do not have the same fiber length and strength as white cotton cultivars. To determine the optimal ginning process for colored fiber two Upland (G. hirsutim) colors were roller and saw ginned following a complete block experimental design. HVI and AFIS analysis favored roller ginning. It resulted in 0.7 mm (1/32 in) greater HVI fiber lengths and 33% fewer AFIS fiber neps compared to saw ginning. This increase in fiber value may justify the higher cost of roller ginning.