Cotton fiber is the most important natural fiber used in the textile industry. The physical structure and chemical compositions of cotton fibers have been extensively studied. Newer high speed spinning instruments are being deployed around the world that demand longer, stronger and finer fibers. Consequently, genetic improvement in fiber quality has been stressed. With improvement in fiber quality has come the realization that further fiber improvement will require a better understanding of fiber development and biology. As a consequence, cotton fiber developmental biology, genetics and genomics have become focal points in the cotton research community. As the longest single-celled plant hair, cotton fiber has been used as an experiment model to study trichome initiation and elongation in plants. This book provides a comprehensive update on cotton fiber physics, chemistry and biology that form the three sections of the book. In the physics section, the physical structure of cotton fiber is first illustrated in great detail. Then a suite of fiber properties and their measuring methods are described. The pros and cons of each method are outlined. New methods to measure physical properties of single fiber and young developing fibers are included. In the chemistry section, the chemical compositions of cotton fibers are described in detail. This knowledge is necessary for efficient modification of cotton fibers for better and broader utilization. The advancement in cotton fiber modification using chemical and enzymatic methods opened new ways to utilize cotton fibers. In the biology section, the book first introduces the utilization of naturally occurring color cottons. Color cottons possess unique attributes such as better fire retardant ability. Advancement in understanding fiber color genetics and biochemical pathways and new utilization of color cottons are discussed. Recent technological advancements in molecular biology and genomics have enabled us to study fiber development in great depth. Many genes and quantitative trait loci related to fiber quality attributes have been identified and genetically mapped. Some of these genes and QTLs are being used in breeding. Progresses in cotton fiber improvement using breeding and biotechnology are discussed in the last chapter. This book serves as a reference for researchers, students, processors, and regulators who either conduct research in cotton fiber improvement or utilize cotton fibers.

Cotton fiber is the most important natural fiber used in the textile industry. The physical structure and chemical compositions of cotton fibers have been extensively studied. Newer high speed spinning instruments are being deployed around the world that demand longer, stronger and finer fibers. Consequently, genetic improvement in fiber quality has been stressed. With improvement in fiber quality has come the realization that further fiber improvement will require a better understanding of fiber development and biology. As a consequence, cotton fiber developmental biology, genetics and genomics have become focal points in the cotton research community. As the longest single-celled plant hair, cotton fiber has been used as an experiment model to study trichome initiation and elongation in plants. This book provides a comprehensive update on cotton fiber physics, chemistry and biology that form the three sections of the book. In the physics section, the physical structure of cotton fiber is first illustrated in great detail. Then a suite of fiber properties and their measuring methods are described. The pros and cons of each method are outlined. New methods to measure physical properties of single fiber and young developing fibers are included. In the chemistry section, the chemical compositions of cotton fibers are described in detail. This knowledge is necessary for efficient modification of cotton fibers for better and broader utilization. The advancement in cotton fiber modification using chemical and enzymatic methods opened new ways to utilize cotton fibers. In the biology section, the book first introduces the utilization of naturally occurring color cottons. Color cottons possess unique attributes such as better fire retardant ability. Advancement in understanding fiber color genetics and biochemical pathways and new utilization of color cottons are discussed. Recent technological advancements in molecular biology and genomics have enabled us to study fiber development in great depth. Many genes and quantitative trait loci related to fiber quality attributes have been identified and genetically mapped. Some of these genes and QTLs are being used in breeding. Progresses in cotton fiber improvement using breeding and biotechnology are discussed in the last chapter. This book serves as a reference for researchers, students, processors, and regulators who either conduct research in cotton fiber improvement or utilize cotton fibers.

Plant Fibers, their Composites, and Applications provides a systematic and comprehensive account of recent research into plant fibers, including the synthesis of plant fiber reinforced polymer composites, characterization techniques, and a broad spectrum of applications.Plant fibers have generated great interest among material scientists due to their characteristics, which include availability, low cost, biodegradability, easy processability, excellent thermo-mechanical properties, low acoustic properties. They have been proven to be excellent replacements for synthetic fibers and have found applications in advanced polymer composites.Coverage includes every stage of working with plant fibers, including synthesis, processing, characterization, applications, recycling, and life cycle assessment of plant fibers and their composites. Drawing on work from leading researchers in industry, academia, government and private research institutions across the globe, this is a definitive one-stop reference for anyone working with plant fibers. - Addresses emerging applications of plant fiber reinforced polymer composites in automotive, aerospace and construction and building applications - Provides detailed coverage of the modern processing technologies and synthesis for plant fibers and their composites - Includes valuable technical information relating to a range of new and nonconventional plant fibers

Natural and Synthetic Fiber Reinforced Composites Discover a comprehensive exploration of fiber reinforced polymers by an expert team of editors Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites offer several unique properties that make them ideal for use in a wide range of industries, from automotive and aerospace to marine, construction, and co-industrial. In Natural and Synthetic Fiber Reinforced Composites: Synthesis, Properties and Applications, a distinguished team of mechanical engineers delivers a comprehensive overview of fiber reinforced composites. This edited volume includes thorough discussions of glass-, cotton-, and carbon-fiber reinforced materials, as well as the tribological properties and non-structural applications of synthetic fiber composites. Readers will also find practical explorations of the structural evolution, mechanical features, and future possibilities of fiber, textile, and nano-cementitious materials. The physical and chemical properties of cotton fiber-based composites are explored at length, as are the extraordinary mechanical, thermal, electrical, electronic, and field emission properties of carbon nanotubes. This singular book also includes: A thorough discussion of recent advancements in natural fiber reinforced polymer composites, their implications, and the opportunities that arise as a result A comprehensive exploration of the thermal behavior of natural fiber-based composites An insightful review of the literature on sisal fiber with polymer matrices A response to the growing research gap in the existing literature regarding natural fiber-based polymer composites and solutions to address it Perfect for scientists, engineers, professors, and students working in areas involving natural and synthetic reinforced polymers and composites, Natural and Synthetic Fiber Reinforced Composites: Synthesis, Properties and Applications offers a one-of-a-kind resource to help readers understand a critical and rapidly evolving technology.

This book gives an overview of the processing, properties, and applications of fibers and cellulose derivatives obtained from annual plant materials in the formation of non-wood source of pulp. The book comprises illustrations and tables summarizing the latest research on the production of fibers and cellulose derivatives using several key methods and/or characterization techniques. This book collates the information and knowledge of new ways to prepare cellulosic derivatives and describe the concepts and architecture of fibers obtained from annual plants. This book caters to researchers, policymakers, and industrial practitioners who are interested in natural fibers as a way to preserve the forest resource and to satisfy the increasing demand in pulps.

This edited volume presents a comprehensive discussion of emerging sustainable and renewable composites from tropical fibres and provides an in-depth analysis of their prospective applications as replacements for conventional petroleum-based packaging and the challenges regarding this. Readers will gain a comprehensive understanding of the development and characterization of sustainable and renewable composites from fibres such as sugar palm, kenaf, sisal, curau, and coir. They will also learn about new potential materials from such fibres and their potential use in various nanoelectronics applications. Each chapter provides recent insight from some of the field’s most prominent industry and academic professionals. Chapter contributors present valuable case studies and describe related environmental issues, environmental advantages, and challenges. Topics include biodegradability, tensile and other physical properties, and applications. Consequently, readers can apply this knowledge to the further development of sustainable and renewable composites toward their global use in place of petroleum-based materials and in new electronics products. This book is an invaluable and accessible guide for researchers and postgraduate students of composites engineering and nanotechnology who wish to learn more about composites from tropical fibres and their applications. The practical information will benefit those who wish to advance research in this field and promote the adoption of these materials in areas including packaging and nanoelectronics.

Cotton, the most important natural fiber crop, has been improved by conventional breeding—largely through planned hybridization of different cotton genotypes, since the discovery of Mendelian genetics. All these efforts resulted in the development of resilient high yielding cotton varieties. However, the progress through conventional breeding procedures is slow because of long lag periods for developing a variety, little control over the new genetic combinations, unwanted traits and lack of foolproof performance testing system. Genomic assays discovered over the last two decades have made it possible to understand the “language” of the genome by associating the genes with specific traits. Together with the more recently established gene-editing tools like CRISPR-Cas9, the cotton genome can be tailored much more precisely than ever before. In this regard, genetic information has been harnessed, through (i) sequencing of the progenitor and cultivated cotton species, (ii) ongoing mega pan-genome sequencing projects, (iii) genetic and physical mapping, and (iv) introgression of genes from alien sources, that resulted in the development of resilient cotton cultivars. These technologies have been deployed or are attempting to overcome the challenges of water shortage, excessive heat in most cotton growing regions, infectious diseases and infestation of insect pests, as well as rising production cost, for sustainable cotton production beyond 2030. In this book, new knowledge generated by the cotton research community and its application for developing resilient cotton are comprehensively summarized. This book contributed by well-known cotton researchers is a timely collection of the challenges and successes of precision cotton breeding in a changing environment.