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SYNOPSISIn the present investigation, we have made a systematic study of the induced crystallization in never-dried cotton fiber, by allowing it to desiccate under different conditions of humidity and temperature. The resulting structural changes have been followed using x-ray diffraction and infrared absorption techniques. A slow rate of drying coupled with a high temperature was more conducive for maximum crystallization. Analysis of the effect of temperature on the induced crystallization showed possible existence of a thermal transition in cellulose around 3OOC. The induced crystallization brought about by slow drying as well as those produced using intercrystalline swelling agents, have been shown to be resulting from a proper channelization of the interfibrillar mobility existing in the never-dried fibers.* Part of the results reported here were presented as poster in Session 9 "Crystallisation Phenomena"

This paper deals with the evaluation of crystal lattice transformations and decrys tallization brought about in cotton fibers by chemical treatments, using x-ray diffiaction techniques. Suitable indices have been evolved to quantify cellulose II and total crys tallinity values, and cotton fibers subjected to widely different chemical treatments have been evaluated. The accuracy of the new indices and their usefulness in routine analysis are enumerated.