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How Strong is Cotton?

Published in Cotton Strength 2 mins read

Cotton fiber strength is measured in grams/tex and typically ranges from 27 to 45 grams/tex when dry, increasing to 30 to 54 grams/tex when wet.

Cotton's strength is a key property that determines its performance in various textile applications. Unlike many other fibers, cotton actually becomes stronger when it is wet. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for processes like dyeing and finishing, which involve moisture, and for the durability of cotton products in damp conditions.

Cotton Fiber Strength Measurements

The strength of cotton fiber, as reported by sources like Barnhardt Cotton, is often presented in grams per tex (grams/tex). Tex is a unit of linear density, representing the weight in grams of 1,000 meters of fiber. Therefore, grams/tex indicates the breaking strength relative to the fiber's thickness.

Fiber Strength Comparison (grams/tex)

Here's a comparison of cotton strength to other common fibers based on the provided data:

Fiber Dry Strength (grams/tex) Wet Strength (grams/tex)
Cotton 27 – 45 30 – 54
Rayon (regular) 22 – 27 10 – 14
Polyester 27 – 54 27 – 54

As the table illustrates, cotton exhibits a significant increase in strength when wet. Its dry strength range overlaps with regular Rayon and the lower end of Polyester, while its wet strength surpasses regular Rayon significantly and reaches into the range of Polyester.

Dry vs. Wet Strength of Cotton

A remarkable property of cotton is its ability to gain strength when exposed to moisture.

  • Dry Strength: Ranges from 27 to 45 grams/tex. This is the strength of the fiber under standard atmospheric conditions.
  • Wet Strength: Ranges from 30 to 54 grams/tex. This increase in strength when wet is a distinct advantage for cotton, contributing to the durability of cotton textiles during washing and wear.

This increase in wet strength is a significant factor in cotton's widespread use in apparel and home furnishings, as items made from cotton can withstand repeated laundering without substantial loss of integrity.