Cotton – what are its types and uses?

Characteristics of cotton

As the name suggests, cotton is obtained from cotton bushes, which occur naturally in tropical and subtropical areas. Cotton fibres wrap the plant's seeds and resemble cotton candy in appearance. In the past, these soft balls were harvested by hand, but today it is done using appropriate harvesters. It should be noted that cotton is one of the most versatile fabrics and is distinguished by its durability and softness, and interestingly - it does not shrink as quickly as other types of canvas.

Cotton has been used to produce fabrics for thousands of years. It was already known in ancient Egypt and was mainly used as a basic material for the production of airy clothing, appropriate for the local climate. Currently, the largest areas of cotton cultivation are located in China, the United States, India, Pakistan, Brazil and Uzbekistan. In addition, it is a relatively cheap weaving product, and due to its delicacy, cotton materials are recommended for people whose skin is prone to irritation and allergies.

How is cotton fabric made?

Harvesting a cotton crop from a bush is just a taste of the path that the raw material will have to travel to become fabric. Nevertheless, the first step in this direction is separating the fibre from the seeds. This process is carried out mechanically using specialized gins. The resulting product is brought to the spinning mill in the form of a bale, where the fibres are combed to achieve elasticity and softness.

The raw material is then placed on the belts of a machine that produces a roving, i.e. a semi-finished product of cotton yarn in the form of a slightly twisted and narrow ribbon. Threads ready for hand spinning on looms or in specialized plants are usually shortened, which is intended to improve the quality of the fabric. The process also includes dyeing the fibres and performing strengthening and refining treatments. The aforementioned activities have a significant impact on the material's parameters, response to deformation, creasing or washing.

It is worth adding that cotton seeds (considered waste) are often used to produce oil. It is the main ingredient in many body and facial cosmetics. Properly refined oil is also suitable for food purposes. What's more - cottonseed meal is an extremely useful reject, serving as animal feed.

Types of cotton fabric

Very few people realize that there is more than one type of cotton fabric. In fact, there are many, and each has different characteristics that predispose it to be used in the creation of all kinds of textiles. Cotton fabrics include denim, calico, satin, drill, velvet, Egyptian cotton , corduroy, cretonne, flannel, cotton batiste, and poplin.

It should be mentioned here that the types of cotton fabrics also include organic and genetically modified cotton. The production of the former is strictly supervised because this process must take place in accordance with the natural sequence that occurs in nature. What's more, the harvest is carried out by hand, and the plants are protected with natural fertilizers, such as manure, garlic and chili. No chemicals or pesticides are used to produce organic cotton.

Modified cotton is created through the use of genetic engineering methods. This means that such types of cotton have received an additional gene that encodes a protein that is toxic to some insects. In short, such a procedure allows for greater yields and reduced use of pesticides.

The use of cotton in the textile industry

Cotton fabric is characterized by the fact that it has a very wide range of applications. However, it is most often used in the clothing industry. Natural fibres are used to create coats, skirts, jackets, trousers, blouses, sportswear, underwear. Thicker fabric is great for the production of workwear, uniforms or fleeces. In addition to clothing, this soft and durable material is suitable for creating curtains, Roman blinds, towels, kitchen textiles, summer bedding , hotel slippers , winter bedding, etc.

Cotton fabrics are often used to produce bedding. In the case of this product, cotton satin is very popular, as it is not only functional, but above all pleasant and pleasant to the touch. This type of fabric, unlike regular satin, is distinguished by the fact that it wicks away moisture and ensures proper air exchange. Cotton satin is subjected to refining processes that give the material shine and smoothness. Additionally, it is quite easy to care for, because it does not require the use of strong chemicals.

What's more, both genetically modified and organic cotton are used to produce dressings, high-end stationery, banknotes, and coffee filters. Due to the strength of natural fibers, it is often used to create fishing nets.