Evaluation of Karl Fischer Titration Vial Closure Integrity for Extended Storage of Cotton Test Specimens

Transport of cotton fiber samples to remote locations for water content testing was studied. Cotton fibers were sealed in a glass vial with a septum in an aluminum crimp cap and analyzed within three hours for water content by Karl Fischer titration. At least five days were allowed between capping and analysis for shipping from remote sites to locations with the apparatus. A tight seal was not maintained by changing the septa and crimp cap. Instead, capped vials were put in aluminum foil envelopes with minimal free space, heat sealed, and stored under diverse conditions. There was no storage effect on the water content of the cotton. The envelope effectively preserved the original water content in the fibers. An air transport trial produced similar results.