Influence of Fibre Properties on the Absorption Behavior of Aqueous Solutions in Web Structures

Ten cotton varieties indigenous to the region were evaluated for their physical characteristics under standardized conditions using established protocols. Parallel-laid, cross-laid, and random-laid fibre webs with defined weight and dimensions (specific mass) were prepared from raw (unscoured), scoured, and scoured-mercerized samples of each variety. The vertical plane capillary rise of a dye solution was measured, along with the post-contact absorption increase after a fixed time interval. The results indicated a distinct trend in fluid absorption based on fibre orientation, with random-laid webs exhibiting the highest uptake, followed by parallel-laid and then cross-laid configurations. This trend persisted for the various fibre treatments, with scoured-mercerized webs demonstrating the greatest absorption, followed by scoured and then unscoured samples. Furthermore, a negative correlation was observed between fibre length and absorption within each orientation, signifying increased absorption with shorter fibres. Conversely, a positive correlation was found between fibre fineness and maturity with decreased absorption, although this effect became less pronounced at maturity levels exceeding 90%.