Natural fibres of plant origin Part 2 of 6

Natural fibres of vegetable origin - cotton

One of the most widely used textile fibres in the world, cotton is prized for its softness, strength and versatility. Cultivated in various parts of the world, this natural fibre of plant origin has had a significant impact on history, economics and technology.

By definition, natural textile fibres of plant origin are made from the seeds, stems or leaves of plants, and have had and still have historical and economic importance in both traditional and modern textiles.

What has been the spread of cotton over six centuries?

• Ancient origins: Cotton was first cultivated more than 7,000 years ago, in regions including India, Egypt and the Americas.
• Introduction to Europe: The Arabs brought cotton to Europe around the 9th century. During the colonial period, cotton became the focus of the textile trade, helping to shape economies and geopolitical relations.
• Industrialisation: With the invention of the cotton gin in 1793, production intensified, making cotton garments accessible to a large population.

What are the physical and chemical properties of cotton?

Physical properties:

• Softness: Ideal for undergarments and fabrics in contact with the skin.
• Breathability: Allows air to pass through, making it cool and comfortable.
• Absorbency: Can absorb up to 25% of its weight in water without appearing wet.
• Resistance: It is robust and withstands frequent washing well.

Chemical properties:

It is mainly composed of cellulose (approximately 90%).

• Alkali resistance: Can be treated with caustic soda to improve its qualities (see mercerised cotton).
• Chemical compatibility: Can be easily dyed and treated with chemicals to achieve specific effects.
• Insulation: Although not electrically conductive, cotton is not an optimal insulator for high temperature applications.

In what areas can cotton be used?

Traditional uses:

• Clothing: T-shirts, jeans, underwear, towels and sheets.
• Housewares: Tablecloths, curtains and decorative fabrics.

Innovative uses:

• Construction: Fabrics reinforced with recycled cotton are used for thermal and acoustic insulation.
• Medicine: Sterile cotton is essential for bandages, swabs and advanced healthcare applications.
• Textile technology: Mercerised cotton improves lustre, strength and shape retention.

Some curiosities and insights

• Throughout history: During the Industrial Revolution, cotton played a crucial role in economic and technological development.
• In culture: Symbol of purity and simplicity in many cultural and religious traditions.
• Innovative properties: Recent studies are exploring the use of cotton in water filtration and as a basis for biocompatible materials.
• Mercerisation: improves gloss, strength and colour retention capacity.
• Cotton is the most cultivated textile fibre in the world, accounting for 25% of global textile fibre consumption.
• Its anti-allergic properties make it ideal for garments in direct contact with the skin.
• The use of cotton to produce banknotes: 75% of the world's banknotes contain cotton.

To sum up Cotton continues to be an irreplaceable fibre in our daily lives. With innovative approaches and an increasing focus on sustainability.

Are there other natural fibres of vegetable origin?

1. Linen

   • Historical origin: One of the oldest fibres, already cultivated in Mesopotamia and Egypt.
   • Properties: Cool, antibacterial, breathable. Resistant but prone to creasing.
   • Uses: Summer clothing, tablecloths, sheets, ropes.

2. Hemp

   • History: Used in Asia as early as 4000 BC.
   • Features: Resistant, biodegradable, absorbent.
   • Innovations: Bioplastics, technical textiles, automotive composites.

3. Jute

   • Main use: Sacks, carpets, ropes.
   • Ecological: Fast growing and environmentally friendly.

4. coconut

   • Applications: coconut fibres (coir) used for carpets, brushes, padding.

5. Agave Sisalana

   • Traditional uses: Ropes, carpets.
   • Innovations: Composite materials for car interiors.

6. Kapok

   • Fibre extracted from kapok seeds. Used for lightweight, water-resistant padding.
   • Until recently, its use was limited to padding
   • Developments in the textile industry have introduced kapok into their collections, producing mainly trousers
   • It is a totally organic fibre as it grows wild in nature.
   • Especially recommended for allergy sufferers.

If you missed how textile fibres are divided, you can find the article here at this link