Application of air flow measurements to the determination of cotton fiber specific surface area and maturity

An instrumentation system and measurement techniques were developed to determine if the relationships for specific surface area and maturity used with the Arealometer were applicable to a system using a larger specimen size and random fiber orientation. Air flow resistance was determined for various varieties with a wide range of specific surface area and maturity. Fiber orientation effects were found to be negligible and the optimum specimen plug lengths and air flow rate were determined. It was concluded that the Arealometer flow equation performed satisfactorily with the experimental system, providing compatible specific surface area values and indications of maturity.