THE 10 MOST IMPORTANT COTTON DERIVATIVES - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2024

The main derivatives of cotton are oil, gunpowder, paper money, textile fibers, soap, cellulose used to make cosmetics, rocket fuel, life rafts, automobile tires and conveyor belts.

Cotton is a textile fiber that is born from the seed of the plant of the same name. Its popularity began throughout the 19th century. Today it is the most important natural fiber in the world.

Today, the world's largest cotton producer is China, with almost 7 million tons per year. Other powerhouses in cotton production are: India, the USA, Pakistan and Brazil.

The top 10 cotton derivatives

1- The oil

When it comes from cotton, it is obtained by pressing the seed of this plant. It began to be used once techniques for eliminating the strong smell of cotton were developed.

It is rich in vitamins D and E, although it contains a lot of saturated fat.

2- Gunpowder

It is obtained from cellulose nitrate or gunpowder cotton. The texture is very similar to that of the original cotton, although it can also have the appearance of a jelly-like liquid.

It is used in the manufacture of explosives or ammunition for firearms, in celluloid -photography and cinema- or as a base for some paints, lacquers and varnishes.

3- The paper money

Some currencies, such as the euro or the US dollar, are printed after cotton is processed to make banknotes.

4- The fibers and textile fabrics

It is the most common use of cotton. This material is the most widely used worldwide for the manufacture of clothing.

It is held in high esteem for the quality it gives to the garments, which makes them more durable than other fabrics.

5- The soap

Combined with other raw materials - such as olive oil and fruits that provide aroma - cotton extract is used in the manufacture of soap.

As it has a high fat content, it nourishes and protects the skin in a natural way, without the need for chemical additives.

6- Cellulose for cosmetics

Present in soaps, shampoos, creams and lotions for the skin, among other compounds.

As a cosmetic component, it provides properties similar to those previously stated: it hydrates and rejuvenates the skin, helping to reduce and / or eliminate wrinkles, which makes it a rejuvenating product.

7- Medical-sanitary products

Cotton is used to make ear cleaning swabs, or to clean open wounds and apply lotions and / or cutaneous remedies.

8- Life rafts

Both rafts and life jackets contain cotton padding, which helps them stay afloat in the water.

This is due to the high density of the material, which does not sink.

9- Tires

Cotton, combined with other materials such as rubber, is used in the manufacture of the tire.

This includes motor vehicles, bicycles or wheelchairs used by people with motor disabilities.

10- The conveyor belts

Present in airports, factories or shopping centers, these tapes are made from multiple layers of processed cotton fabric.

References

1. The Story of Cotton on Cotton Counts at cotton.org
2. Cotton. Agriculture and Development. European Commission at ec.europa.eu
3. Uses of Cotton on Cotton Australia at cottonaustralia.com.au
4. Cotton-A Natural Fiber on English Online, Articles in Easy Understandable English for Learners at english-online.at
5. Empire of Cotton. A Global History », by Sven Beckert.