Source of Metal Ions on Raw Cotton Fibers and their Influence on Dyeing

This work reports on two debated points related to the metal content of cotton fiber and its influence on processing. The first issue is if the metal levels of raw fibers are naturally deposited during fiber development or if the levels are influenced by weathering and harvesting conditions present after boll opening. This was tested by harvesting bolls just as they were opening and after the opened bolls were allowed to field age. The second issue relates to the importance of metal levels on fiber dyeability. Results indicate that the metal levels of newly-opened cotton were not appreciably different from those of aged cotton bolls and that the fiber metal levels after scouring and bleaching had little correlation with dye uptake. Additionally, some metal levels exceeded those previously reported and the environment appeared to have a stronger influence on fiber Ca and Mg levels than did cultivar differences.