100% Bleached Absorbent Cotton

About 100% Bleached Absorbent Cotton

1. Material & Identity

• Composition: 100% cotton fiber (pure cotton).

• Bleaching: Hydrogen peroxide (HO) or equivalent oxidizing bleaching (non-chlorine; no optical brighteners).

• Appearance: White, soft, fibrous, free of visible foreign matter (no seeds, burs, trash, dust, black specks).

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

Parameter	Typical Spec	Standard / Notes
pH of Aqueous Extract	5.5 7.2	Neutral range for wound-safe contact.
Sinking Time (Water)	10 sec	Fast hydration indicates good absorbency.
Water Holding Capacity / Absorption	23 g water / g cotton	Gravimetric absorption capacity.
Specific Absorption (Medical)	20 weight in water	Industry typical.
Moisture Content (Loss on Drying)	8%	Limits microbial growth.
Water-Soluble Substances	0.5%	Limits residual processing chemicals.
Ether-Soluble Substances	0.5%	Indicates low fat, wax, and solvent residue.
Surface Active Substances	< 2 mm	No significant surfactants; improves wicking.
Sulphated Ash	0.4%	Low inorganic residue.
Fluorescence (OBA)	None	No optical brighteners or harmful agents.
Extractable Coloring Matter	None	No colour less extracted (BP/USP expectation).

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3. Fibre Characteristics

• Fibre Length (Staple): Typical 1820 mm (varies by grade/product).

• Micronaire / Fineness: Moderate value indicating clean, mature cotton.

• Foreign Fibres / Neps: Minimal; meets pharmacopoeial limits.

4. Performance & Safety

• Absorbency: High fluid uptake; essential for wound dressing & surgical use.

• Odour: Odorless, tasteless cotton fiber.

• Softness / Texture: Soft and conformable (important for patient comfort).

• Biocompatibility: pH and extractables aligned with medical standards (neutral, non-irritating).

• Microbial Limits (if non-sterile): Total aerobic microbial count often <200 cfu/g (specific to supplier methods).

• Sterility (if specified): Meets ISO/medical device sterilization requirements when EO or gamma sterilized.

5. Compliance & Standards

Typical references for medical-grade absorbent bleached cotton include:

• Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) Absorbent cotton performance tests.

• British Pharmacopoeia (BP) Chemical and absorbency limits.

• United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Neutral pH, extractables, absorbency.

• European Pharmacopoeia (EP) Similar quality parameters.

• IS 16468 : 2016 (BIS Medical Textiles) Performance requirements for absorbent cotton.

6. Storage & Shelf Life

• Storage Conditions: Dry, ventilated environment, temperature 045 C, RH 1070%.

• Shelf Life: Usually 35 years if properly packed and sealed.

7. Typical Applications

Surgical dressings
Wound care & first aid
Medical cotton balls & pads
Dental & clinical use
Cosmetics & personal care
Non-woven raw material