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ARS Home » Plains Area » Las Cruces, New Mexico » Cotton Ginning Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #207568
Title: LONG-TERM STORAGE EFFECTS ON FIBER QUALITY OF POLYETHYLENE FILM WRAPPED COTTON BALES

Author
item Hughs, Sidney
item Gamble, Gary
item TRISTAO, D - JG BOSWELL COMPANY

Submitted to: ASABE Annual International Meeting
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/12/2006
Publication Date: 7/28/2006
Citation: Hughs, S.E., Gamble, G.R., Tristao, D.C. 2006. Long-term storage effects on fiber quality of polyethylene film wrapped cotton bales. ASABE Annual International Meeting, July 9-12,2006, Portland, Oregon. Paper No. 061024.

Interpretive Summary: There is anecdotal evidence that long-term storage of cotton bales in unprotected outside storage can significantly alter fiber properties and/or textile processing qualities. A one year bale storage test was initiated to determine storage effects on baled fiber quality. Ten bales were stored in an approved warehouse and ten bales were stored in an outside storage yard. The bales were covered with a hermetically sealed specially formulated linear low density polyethylene(LLDPE) film with UV inhibitors. Daily interior bale temperature and relative humidity levels are being recorded. There are large differences in interior bale temperature and humidity between storage conditions. Effects of these differences on quality will be evaluated after textile processing is completed.

Technical Abstract: A one year bale storage test was initiated to determine the effects of two different long-term storage conditions on baled fiber quality. Fiber quality will eventually be evaluated by textile processing the stored cotton through to dyed cloth. Ten bales were stored in an approved warehouse and ten bales were stored in an outside storage yard. The bales were covered with a hermetically sealed specially formulated linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) film with UV inhibitors. Each bale was instrumented with a temperature and humidity recorder prior to being placed in long term storage. Conclusions as to storage effects cannot as yet be drawn but it is apparent that temperature and humidity cycles within the bale are greatly influenced by storage condition. Final conclusions as to the storage effects on fiber quality will be evaluated after textile processing.