This chapter deals with the tensile behavior of cotton fiber
with the main objective being to point out some of the key challenges
facing understanding the tensile failure of cotton fiber and characterization
techniques. Specific subjects discussed include: fiber tensile behaviour during
cotton handling (e.g. harvesting through weaving), the effect of fiber tensile
strength on yarn strength, effects of fiber structure on tensile strength, tensile
testing techniques, and external factors influencing the characterization of
cotton tensile behavior. These subjects are discussed using examples of
medium-staple and extra-long staple (ElS) cottons.