Puuvillakiudude

Puuvillakiudude are natural textile fibers derived from the seed hairs of cotton plants. After harvesting and ginning, the fibers are cleaned and prepared for spinning, forming yarns that are woven or knitted into fabrics. The term refers to the cotton fibers themselves, which are a fundamental raw material in the global textile industry.

Composition and properties: Cotton fibers are mainly cellulose, with typical cellulose content around 90–96%. They have a natural cross-section that is slightly concave or kidney-shaped and a diameter of about 10–20 micrometers. Fiber length varies by type, ranging from short-staple varieties (roughly 3–25 millimeters) to long-staple types (up to 30–40 millimeters or more). These fibers are hydrophilic and highly breathable, giving cotton fabrics softness, comfort, and good moisture absorption. They dye well and accept finishes readily, but can wrinkle and shrink if not properly treated.

Production and processing: The journey from cotton plant to fabric begins with harvesting and ginning to separate seeds. The cleaned lint is then carded and drawn to align fibers, spun into yarn, and finally woven or knitted into textiles. Finishing steps such as bleaching, dyeing, and non-woven processes tailor the fabric for specific end uses. Quality is influenced by fiber length, strength, fineness (micronaire), and color.

Uses and considerations: Puuvillakiudude underpin a wide range of products—from everyday clothing to home textiles and industrial fabrics—because of their comfort and versatility. Sustainability considerations include water use, pesticide exposure in cultivation, and energy and chemical use in processing. Efforts such as organic cotton farming, improved irrigation, and responsible milling practices aim to reduce environmental impact while maintaining fiber quality.