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As consumers demand more durability and more functionality from their clothing, apparel makers must respond with garments that are technically advanced yet still soft and comfortable. Cotton can naturally offer the comfort that is expected in garments and, by finishing, provide protection from ultraviolet radiation, from weather, or from odors due to microbe growth. Additional properties such as resistance to ignition burning and freedom from wrinkles are also desirable and may be achieved with the selection of an appropriate finish. Our challenge is to broaden the range of characteristics that can be obtained with cotton without forfeiting the superior comfort properties with which cotton is endowed.
Some Current Research Efforts
Antimicrobials
Because of consumer interest in antimicrobial and anti-odor properties in textile materials there are a growing number of finishes being made available. Research work at Cotton Incorporated has looked at the efficacy of antimicrobial treatments on cotton fabrics after multiple home launderings. AATCC published a paper by Michele Wallace, Manager Textile Chemistry Research at Cotton Incorporated, entitled “Testing the Efficacy of Polyhexamethylene Biguanide as an Antimicrobial Treatment for Cotton Fabric”.
Flammability
Flammability of cotton materials is of great interest to importers and retailers. Research work at Cotton Incorporated has examined the flammability of cotton carpets and rugs and sought to improve the flammability characteristics of cotton apparel, including raised-surface cotton textiles. Two publications about this work include “Flammability Considerations for Raised-Surface Apparel” in the February 2002 AATCC Review, and “Cotton Flame Retardant Developments - Update of Work on Raised Surface Apparel” presented at the 2002 BCC conference in Stamford, Connecticut. In addition to flammability of raised surface apparel, work is being done on the flammability of home products. Cotton Incorporated is cooperating with other industry participants in examing current regulatory proposals.
Moisture Management
There is much hype in the market about garments that keep the wearer dry and fast-drying fabrics. In general, all flat or non-raised surface fabrics when saturated will dry at the same rate, independent of fiber type. Fabrics used in athletic and recreational end uses should have the ability to transport moisture from the skin to the fabric surface for evaporation. “Moisture management: Myths, magic, and Misconceptions” was published in AATCC Review and addresses some of these factors. There are very few, 100% cotton garments that are advertised as having moisture management properties or as recreational performance apparel for athletic activities. Consequently, research and development is ongoing at Cotton Incorporated to develop such garments to allow cotton to participate in this market. One such development has been the WICKING WINDOWS™ technology which is being used by Champion.
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Wrinkle Resistance
Although Cotton Incorporated is well known for pioneering research on improving the wrinkle resistance of cotton fabrics, improvements to this desirable property are still being sought. The latest “wrinkle” in this technology is TOUGH COTTON™, which uses known finishing components in new and unique ways. The TOUGH COTTON™ process makes the fabric stronger for a longer period of time. Abrasion resistance, tensile and tear strength are all improved over conventional wrinkle-resist finishing, while the durable press rating is maintained. An explanation of the research was published in an AATCC Review article, “Tough Cotton: A Novel Approach to Durable Press Finishing”.
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Cotton Incorporated Introduces Tough Cotton™ New durable press finish makes fabrics stronger and last longer
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