Another application is air monitoring. Benzene is used in fuels, dyes, solvents and many other products. But it becomes a contaminant upon escape into the environment. The scientists are now seeking to establish a cooperative research and development agreement with a commercial partner. Linters usually get shaved off the seed at the cutting mill once the longer, more slender staple fibers have been removed at the cotton gin.
Staples undergo further processing and finishing for use in clothing, towels and other fabrics.
Linters, however, are ground into a pulp for making paper. One reason is that linters don't readily process into a cohesive sheet, or batt, without unraveling. ARS textile engineers tackled the problem with a technique that forces linters to wrap around staple fibers in the batt. Absorbent wipes, cosmetic pads and other nonwoven products made from the new blend offer the same look, feel and quality as commercial products containing 100 percent staple fibers. Unbleached linters cost about 18 cents per pound versus 80 cents or higher for staples.