🧵 Why Cotton Gets Stronger When Wet: A Marvel of Nature and Science

When you spill water on your cotton shirt or soak a cotton towel in the laundry, you probably don’t think twice about what’s happening at the microscopic level. But did you know that cotton actually becomes stronger when it gets wet?

Yes, you read that right. Unlike many materials—like viscose or paper—that get weaker and tear easily in water, cotton behaves in the opposite way. It toughens up. Scientists call this phenomenon “wet strength,” and it's one of the reasons cotton is such a reliable material in our everyday lives, from clothes and bedsheets to medical gauze and kitchen towels.

Let’s take a closer look at the secret life of cotton fibers when they meet water.

---

🌊 1. Cotton Swells and Becomes More Organized

Cotton is made of tiny hair-like fibers called cellulose. These fibers aren’t smooth tubes—they’re twisted and somewhat loose when dry. But the moment water enters the scene, magic begins.

Water seeps into the gaps between the fibers, and the cotton starts to swell—like a sponge. Imagine your dry hair after a shower: it clumps together and lies flatter. Similarly, cotton fibers expand and realign, becoming more organized and packed. This tighter arrangement gives the fabric extra strength to hold together, even when soaked.

---

🧪 2. Hydrogen Bonds: Nature’s Invisible Glue

Here’s where chemistry lends a hand.

Cotton is full of little chemical groups called hydroxyls (–OH). Think of them as tiny magnets. When water arrives, these magnets grab onto water molecules—but they also begin to form new “bonds” with each other, like holding hands across fibers. These new links make the entire structure more connected.

These invisible links, known as hydrogen bonds, act like nature’s glue. More bonds mean more strength. So, when cotton gets wet, it doesn’t fall apart—it actually becomes a well-connected community of fibers.

---

💧 3. Capillary Action: Cotton Drinks Water Like a Straw

Cotton fibers have something called capillaries, which are like tiny straws or tunnels running through them. These tunnels allow water to travel up and across the fibers very efficiently. This effect is the same reason why a towel absorbs water so fast or how a wick draws oil in a lamp.

This process—capillary action—spreads the water evenly across the fabric. And when water is evenly distributed, all the fibers get the chance to bond and swell together. The result? A stronger, more cohesive fabric even when soaked.

---

🧬 4. Cotton’s Natural Structure Is Built to Last

Cotton is made from cellulose, a plant-based material with a strong and orderly structure. Think of it like a skyscraper made with steel beams. Even when it rains, the building holds up because its inner structure is solid.

Cellulose has both hard, crystalline regions (very ordered and stiff) and softer, flexible regions. When cotton absorbs water, the flexible areas take in moisture and help with swelling. But the stiff parts stay firm and give cotton its strength—even in wet conditions.

It’s this clever balance that helps cotton perform so well in your wardrobe and your home.

---

🎨 5. Special Treatments Make Cotton Even Better

Sometimes, textile manufacturers enhance cotton’s performance with special treatments. These can include finishing chemicals or dyes that improve the strength and stability of the fibers when wet. For example, some cotton fabrics are given a “resin finish” to make them even more durable and wrinkle-resistant.

So, that shirt that doesn’t lose shape after a wash? It might be cotton—but with a little help from science.

---

📸 What Does It Look Like Under the Microscope?

If you were to zoom in and look at cotton fibers under a microscope, here’s what you’d see:

• In the dry state, the fibers look like twisted ribbons with air gaps between them. They’re loose and wavy.

• In the wet state, the fibers appear plump and aligned, like smooth noodles laid side by side. They’re packed tighter and show fewer gaps.

This visual change is a big reason why the fabric’s behavior shifts. The alignment increases its ability to resist pulling and tearing forces.

---

🧺 Why This Matters in Real Life

So why should we care about cotton’s wet strength? It turns out, this little superpower makes cotton ideal for many important uses:

1. Laundry Friendly: Cotton can handle regular washing without falling apart, unlike some delicate fabrics.

2. Medical Applications: Gauze, bandages, and swabs made of cotton stay strong when wet, which is crucial in hospitals.

3. Absorbent Textiles: Towels, robes, and diapers rely on cotton’s ability to soak water and remain tough.

4. Summer Wear: Cotton’s breathable and absorbent qualities make it perfect for humid or sweaty environments.

---

⚠️ But Be Gentle — Cotton Still Has Limits

While cotton gets stronger when wet, it’s not invincible. Long exposure to strong chemicals, very hot water, or constant rough handling (like over-aggressive machine washing) can still break down the fibers over time.

Here are a few care tips:

• Use gentle detergents.

• Avoid overheating in dryers.

• Wash with similar fabrics to prevent wear and tear.

With the right care, your cotton garments can last a long time—retaining their softness, breathability, and of course, their wet strength.

---

🧵 The Takeaway: Nature Knows Best

Cotton’s ability to get stronger when wet is not just a happy accident—it’s the result of an elegant design built by nature and refined by science. From its microscopic bonding to its absorbent tunnels, every part of the cotton fiber contributes to making it one of the most loved and dependable fabrics in the world.

So the next time you soak a cotton kurta, wrap yourself in a bath towel, or spill chai on your bedsheet—remember, you’re dealing with one of nature’s most remarkable materials. Not only is cotton comfortable and breathable, but it’s also a quiet superhero that actually thrives in water.

Why cotton becomes strong when in water

Cotton fibers have a unique behavior when exposed to water. Instead of weakening like viscose, cotton fibers actually become stronger when wet. This phenomenon is often referred to as "wet strength" and can be attributed to the following factors:

Swelling and Fiber Alignment: When cotton fibers come into contact with water, they absorb moisture and undergo a swelling process. The fibers expand as water molecules penetrate the spaces between the cellulose chains. This swelling causes the fibers to align more closely, increasing their overall strength and resistance to pulling forces.

Hydrogen Bonding: Cotton fibers contain hydroxyl groups (-OH) that can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. These hydrogen bonds contribute to the intermolecular forces within the cotton fiber structure. When the fibers absorb water, additional hydrogen bonds form between the cellulose chains, enhancing the fiber's strength.

Capillary Action: Cotton fibers possess capillary structures, allowing them to absorb and hold water efficiently. This capillary action helps distribute the water evenly across the fiber length, facilitating the formation of hydrogen bonds throughout the fiber structure. The capillary effect also assists in moisture transportation, promoting better moisture management in cotton textiles.

Molecular Structure: The inherent molecular structure of cellulose in cotton fibers contributes to their strength in wet conditions. The arrangement of cellulose chains provides a strong and stable fiber structure, even when exposed to moisture. The high degree of crystallinity and intermolecular bonding in cellulose contributes to the wet strength of cotton fibers.

Dyeing and Finishing Processes: In some cases, cotton fabrics may undergo dyeing and finishing processes that enhance their wet strength. These processes can involve treatments with specific chemicals or additives that improve the fiber's ability to maintain its strength and integrity when wet.

It's important to note that while cotton fibers generally exhibit increased strength when wet, excessive agitation, harsh chemicals, or prolonged exposure to water can still weaken or damage the fibers over time. Proper care, including gentle washing methods and avoiding harsh chemicals, is essential to maintain the long-term strength and integrity of cotton textiles.

In summary, cotton fibers become stronger when in water due to factors such as swelling, fiber alignment, hydrogen bonding, capillary action, and the inherent molecular structure of cellulose. This wet strength property of cotton makes it a favorable choice for various applications, including textiles that require durability and performance in moist environments.

Buy my books at Amazon.com

How morphology of cotton is different than rayon

The morphology of cotton and rayon differs significantly due to their distinct manufacturing processes and composition. However, there are also some commonalities between the two fibers. Let's explore their differences and similarities in terms of morphology:

Structure and Composition:

Cotton: Cotton is a natural fiber derived from the cotton plant. It consists primarily of cellulose, with small amounts of hemicellulose, pectin, waxes, and other natural components. Cotton fibers are elongated unicellular trichomes with a complex structure, including a primary cell wall and a central lumen.

Rayon: Rayon, on the other hand, is a semi-synthetic fiber made from regenerated cellulose. It is produced by chemically treating natural cellulose, usually derived from wood pulp or bamboo, to create a viscous solution that is extruded and solidified into fibers. Rayon fibers are also composed mainly of cellulose.

Fiber Characteristics:

Cotton: Cotton fibers have a distinctive appearance with a twisted or convoluted structure, often displaying irregular bends or twists along their length. They have a natural surface cuticle and may contain surface contaminants such as plant debris. Cotton fibers come in various natural colors, including white, cream, and shades of brown.

Rayon: Rayon fibers have a more uniform and smoother appearance compared to cotton. They lack the convoluted structure and twists commonly seen in cotton fibers. Rayon fibers can be produced with varying surface finishes, ranging from a high luster resembling silk to a matte appearance.

Physical Properties:

Cotton: Cotton fibers have inherent properties such as high moisture absorption, good heat conductivity, and breathability. They possess good tensile strength and are generally more durable than rayon. Cotton fibers have a natural crimp, which contributes to their ability to trap air, providing insulation.

Rayon: Rayon fibers are known for their softness, drape, and excellent moisture absorption properties. They have a lower density compared to cotton, resulting in a lightweight feel. Rayon fibers can be engineered to mimic the characteristics of other fibers, such as silk or wool, depending on the desired end-use.

Manufacturing Process:

Cotton: Cotton fibers are harvested from the cotton plant through ginning, which involves separating the fibers from the seeds. The fibers undergo cleaning and processing to remove impurities before being spun into yarns for textile production.

Rayon: Rayon is produced through a complex chemical process involving the dissolution and regeneration of cellulose. The cellulose is treated with chemicals to break it down into a viscous solution, which is then extruded through spinnerets and solidified into fibers.

Despite their differences, cotton and rayon share some commonalities:

Cellulose Composition: Both cotton and rayon fibers are predominantly composed of cellulose, a natural polymer.

Biodegradability: Both cotton and rayon are biodegradable fibers, meaning they can break down naturally over time.

Versatile Applications: Both cotton and rayon find extensive use in the textile industry for various applications, including apparel, home textiles, and nonwoven products.

Comfort and Breathability: Both fibers offer comfort and breathability, allowing moisture to evaporate and contributing to a pleasant wearing experience.

In summary, while cotton and rayon have distinct differences in their morphology due to their manufacturing processes, they also share some similarities such as cellulose composition, biodegradability, versatility, and comfort properties. Understanding these differences and commonalities is crucial for selecting the appropriate fiber for specific applications in the textile industry.

Buy my books at Amazon.com

Some Notes on the Gross Morphology of Cotton

Cotton, one of the most important natural fibers in the textile industry, possesses a fascinating array of physical characteristics that make it desirable for various applications. To fully appreciate cotton's properties, it is crucial to understand its gross morphology, which encompasses the visible structure and features of cotton fibers. This article aims to explore the gross morphology of cotton and shed light on the distinctive characteristics that contribute to its versatility and widespread use.

Structure of Cotton Fibers:

Cotton fibers, also known as lint, are elongated unicellular trichomes that develop from the epidermis of cotton seeds. They consist primarily of cellulose, a complex carbohydrate polymer. Here are the key structural elements of cotton fibers:

a) Fiber Length: Cotton fibers vary in length, typically ranging from 10 to 50 millimeters. The length depends on the cotton variety, environmental factors, and growth conditions. Longer fibers are generally preferred in the textile industry due to their superior spinning properties.

b) Fiber Diameter: The diameter of cotton fibers varies between 12 to 22 micrometers, contributing to their softness and comfort. Finer fibers are often associated with higher-quality cotton.

c) Cell Wall: The primary cell wall of cotton fibers is composed of several layers, providing strength and flexibility. It consists primarily of cellulose microfibrils embedded in a matrix of hemicellulose and pectin.

d) Lumen: The central hollow portion of the cotton fiber is called the lumen. It may contain remnants of protoplasmic materials, such as the disintegrated nucleus and cytoplasm.

Surface Features and Characteristics:

Cotton fibers exhibit unique surface characteristics that influence their performance and processing. These features include:

a) Convolution: Cotton fibers often display a twisted or convoluted appearance, forming irregular twists or bends along their length. This convoluted structure contributes to the fiber's resilience and ability to interlock during yarn formation.

b) Surface Cuticle: The outermost layer of the cotton fiber is known as the cuticle. It acts as a protective barrier and contains wax-like substances, imparting some natural water repellency to the fiber.

c) Surface Contaminants: Cotton fibers may possess surface contaminants such as leaf debris, plant fragments, or other impurities acquired during harvesting and processing. The removal of these impurities is an essential step in cotton preparation for textile applications.

Fiber Color and Luster:

Cotton fibers exhibit a range of natural colors, including white, cream, tan, light brown, or even greenish hues depending on the variety. The color is determined by the pigment content within the fiber. Cotton fibers also possess inherent luster, which refers to their ability to reflect light. The luster can vary from high to low, impacting the visual appearance and aesthetic appeal of the finished textile products.

Fiber Strength and Maturity:

The strength and maturity of cotton fibers are vital characteristics that influence their performance during processing and end-use. Stronger fibers are generally preferred for applications requiring high tensile strength, such as durable fabrics or industrial textiles. Fiber maturity refers to the degree of development and the presence of secondary cell wall thickening. More mature fibers tend to exhibit improved strength and fineness.

Understanding the gross morphology of cotton fibers provides valuable insights into the structural and visual properties that make cotton a versatile and widely used natural fiber. The length, diameter, convoluted structure, surface features, color, and strength of cotton fibers all contribute to their overall quality and performance in textile applications. By appreciating the gross morphology of cotton, textile professionals can make informed decisions about fiber selection, processing techniques, and product development, ultimately leading to enhanced textile products that meet the diverse needs of consumers and industries alike.

Buy my books at Amazon.com

What is Unique about Ponduru Khadi

This Khadi is produced from Ponduru, a village in Srikakulum district in North Andhra Pradesh.

The uniqueness about this fabric is the fiber. It is produced from a special variety of cotton called Punas cotton, hill white cotton and red cotton. The cotton is of very short staple length produced in Srikakulum area.

The second uniqueness about this fabric is the method of spinning.

The raw seeded cotton is ginned with the help of Valuga fish jawbone. This fish is only found in that area. Then it is fluffed and smoothed with the help of fine sticks which also remove the waste.

Slivering is done with a bow and carding is done with the help of a wooden machine. The slivers are handmade and kept in a dried banana stem.

This is one of the only places where still single spindle charkha is used for spinning. Yarn upto 120s count can be spun in white cotton while upto 60s can be spun with red cotton.

Reference: 1

Buy my books at Amazon.com

Cotton Price Trends in India

Indian Textile Mills are ramping up imports of cotton

Source: seedrack.com via Melyssa on Pinterest

Mills in India, the world's second biggest cotton producer have already imported 500,000 bales and have signed contracts for around 1 million bales at 75-80 cents per lb, compared with the local price of about 88 cents. This can be attributed to the following two reasons. 

a. Tight Domestic Supplies of Cotton 

- Poor rainfall in top producing Gujarat State. Saurashtra and Kutch regions of Gujarat, the country’s largest producer, have received 72% less than the usual rainfall by this time

- A rally in Soyabean prices is prompting some farmers to ditch cotton for Soyabean.

- Record export of good quality cotton earlier this year, with lower quality cotton left this year. 

- Harvesting is getting delayed because of late arrival of Monsoon. If it gets delayed beyond Sep, the domestic cotton prices will sky rocket. 

b. Lower Prices Abroad

- Domestic cotton prices are ruling around 88 cents per pound, freight on board, around 14% higher than the African fibre and 10% than the crop in the US, the world’s largest cotton exporter

Source 1

Thanks for your attention. Did you find the information you were looking for ? Please leave a comment. Do you need to know more ? Please suggest a topic in the comments. You can also join the Forum for your specific queries.

Manufacturing of Powerloom 40s x 40s 72 x 68 Fabric

This fabric is woven on the border areas of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu states of India and has a widepopularity as a dress material for ladies ( Kurtis and Salwars). It has the potential to be printed or embroidered.

The count for this fabric is 40s  both warp and weft and constructions is 72 and 68. It is available in both 44 inches and 56 inches.

The following are the broad steps in making the fabric

1. Yarn is taken in hank form and is kept in water tanks for two days for them to wet properly. Then the yarn is scoured in hank form itself.

Label on a Hank Yarn

2. Yarn dyeing is done using either reactive or vat dyes. Yarn dyeing is done manually.

Color Kitchen

Dyeing Bath for Hank Yarn - Reactive Dyes
  

3. Yarn is then subjected to sizing using Maida and Gum as components. The yarn is subjected to alternate dyeing and sizing three times.

Yarn Being Dried after Sizing

4. Yarn is then prepared for warping using an ingenious creel and then wound onto a weavers beam using a conventional sectional warping machines. 

5. Pirns are prepared using an indigenous contraption.

6. Yarn is then worked on powerloom having warp stop and weft stop motion.

6. Primitive dobbies are used for woven and zari borders.

 
7. The yarn is then subjected to finishing using water, sometimes in a padding mangle using softner and desizing agent.

Thanks for your attention. Did you find the information you were looking for ? Please leave a comment. Do you need to know more ? Please suggest a topic in the comments. You can also join the Forum for your specific queries.

A review of Cotton Spinning- Process Control Perspective

On this site, I have found quite a good number of articles on properties of cotton and cotton spinning. A very good site for the review of spinning basics.

Here is a list of the articles that I like the most.

Now that you've finished reading this post, what are you going to do? You should join the Forum.

Influence of Fiber Fineness and Maturity in spinning Process

Influence of Fiber Fineness and Maturity on spinning Process

Fiber Fineness

Fiber fineness determine how many fibers are present in the cross section of a yarn of given thickness. Additional fibers in the cross section not only provide additional strength but also a better distribution in the yarn. Minimum 30 fibers are needed, usually over 100 fibers are required. Fiber fineness influences spinning limit, drape of the fabric, yarn strength, luster, yarn evenness, handle, yarn fullness and productivity. Productivity is influenced by reduced end breakage rate.

In a conventional spinning process, fine fibers accumulate to the core and coarse fibers in the periphery.

Fiber fineness is measured in dtex which is equal to ratio of mass in dgrams and length in km. Decitex is equal to the product of Micronaire value of the cotton and 0.394.

Cotton fibers are generally classified as very fine if they have a micronaire value upto 3.1; fine if they have value between 3.1 to 3.9; medium if they have it between 4.0 to 4.9; slightly coarse between values of 5 to 5.9 and coarse if they have a micronaire value above 6.

Fiber Maturity

Cotton fiber consists of cell wall and lumen. The maturity index depends upon the thickness of the cell wall. The fibers are considered ripe if they have maturity index between 50-80 percent, unripe if they have MI between 30 to 45% and dead when they have it less than 25%.

Unripe fibers have neither adequate strength nor adequate longitudinal thickness. They lead to loss of yarn strength, neppiness, high proportion of short fibers, varying dyeability, processing difficulties mainly at the card.

Now that you've finished reading this post, what are you going do? You should go join the Forum.

Fiber Identification - Burning Test- Man-made Fibers

Viscose Rayon 

All viscose including High Wet Modulus scorch and ignite quickly when brought near the flame. Like cotton they burn quickly with yellow flame when in the flame. When removed from the flame they continue to burn. There is no afterglow unlike cotton. The smell is that of burning paper. They leave a light gray and feathery ash.

Acetate Rayon  ( And Triacetate Rayon)

When brought near the flame, it fuses away from flame turning black. When in the flame, it flames quickly. The fabric puckers, sputters and melts. It drips like burning tar. When removed from the flame, it continues to burn and melt. It smells like vinegar. It leaves a brittle hard, irregular black ash which is difficult to crush.

Nylon 

Image via Wikipedia

Nylon fuses and shrinks away from the flame when brought near the flame. In flame, it burns slowly without melting. When removed from flame the flame diminishes and tends to die out. It has somewhat pungent odor. It leaves a hard, round, tough and gray bead.

Aramid  ( Nomex)

When brought near the flame, it shrinks away from the flame. When in the flames it puckers and chars. When removed from flame, it extinguishes by itself. It has no smell and it leaves a hard black bead.

Polyester  

Image via Wikipedia

Polyester fuses and shrinks away from flame. When in flame, it burns slowly with melting. When removed from the flame, it burns with difficulty. It has slightly sweetish smell. It leaves a hard round brittle, black bead.

Acrylics 

Orlon, Acrilan and Creslan and Zefran fuse and melt away from Flame when brought near the flame. When in flame Orlon flames rapidly. The fiber puckers, sputters and melts. Acrilan flames rapidly and melts. Creslan flames and melts and Zefran sputters slightly and flames. When removed flame all of acrylics continue to burn and melt. Orlon has a slightly burning meat-like smell. Acrilan has a buring steak smell. Creslan has sharp sweet smell and Zefran has a turmeric like smell. Orlon, Acrilan and Cresla have hard, brittle and irregular black bead. Zefran has irregular black ash that can be crushed easily.

Modacrylics

Verel and SEF fuse and shrink away from the flame when approached near a flame. When in flame, Verel burns very slowly with melting. SEF shrinks, melts and smolders. When removed from flames, all modacrylics are self extinguishing. Verel has a gunpower smell whereas SEF has a sharp sweet smell. Verel leaves a hard and irregular black bead whereas SEF leaves a hard and irregular black bead.

Spandax 

Fuses but doesn’t shrinks away from the flame when approached near the flame. When in flame, it burns with melting. It has an acrid smell. It leaves a soft, fluffy black bead.

Now that you've finished reading this post, what are you going do? You should go join the Forum.

Identification of Natural Fibers by Burning Test

Identification of Natural Fibers by Burning Test


Cotton

When cotton is brought near the flame it scorches and ignites readily. In the flame it burns quickly with yellow flame. Upon removing from flame it continues to burn rapidly and shows afterglow. It emits a smell of burning paper. The Ash is light, feathery and grayish. If the ash is black it denotes mercerized cotton.

Linen

Linen like cotton when brought near the flame scorches and ignites easily. In the flame it burns slower than cotton with yellow flame. Upon removing from flame it continues to burn with a smell of burning paper. The ash residue is feathery and gray.

Wool

Wool when brought near the flame smolders. In flame it burns with small and slow flickering flame. Also in flame it sizzles and curls. When removed from flame it ceases to burn. The Odor is like that of burning feather or hair. It gives crisp, dark and irregular shaped ash that can be crushed easily.

Pure Silk

Pure silk smolders when brought near the flame. In the flame it burns slowly with sputtering. When removed away from flame it continues to burn but with difficulty and ultimately extinguishes. The smell that is emitted is like that of burning feathers or hair but it is less pronounced than wool. It gives out a round, crisp, shiny black beads that can be crushed easily.


Weighted Silk

Weighted Silk smolders when brought near the flame. In the flame it burns with a glow. When removed from flame the burned part becomes briefly incandescent then it slowly chars. The smell is like that of pure silk i.e. burning feather or hair. The ash brings a screen like skeleton of original sample.

The following guide is very handy in identifying the fibers by burning test:

Now that you've finished reading this post, what are you going do? You should go join the Forum.

FAQ in cotton spinning-8

Comber

Q. What is a comber
Answer: Comber is a machine where short fibres below a certain predetermined length can be easily separated out.

Q. What are the objects of combing
Ans: After combing the fibres are more or less uniform, well straightened or parallelised and free of neps and particles of trash that escaped carding.

Q. What will happen if carded material is presented as such to comber.
Ans: Majority of the fibre hooks in a carded sliver are trailing. Hooks can be straightened out by comber needles provided they are presented in leading position. If the trailing hooks are presented as such, they behave like short fibres and escape into noil.

Q. How we can make majority hooks (trailing) from card sliver to present as leading hooks to comber.
Ans: In order to make the major hooks take the leading position, there should be even passages or even reversals between the card and the comber.

Q. What is lap preparation for comber
Ans: 'Lap preparation' can be taken as a general term which includes all the passages between the card and the comber.

Q. What is backward feed
Ans: On conventional combers the feed usually takes place when the nippers are going backwards. This is known as backward feed.

Vendor Evaluation for Cotton supplies for Denim

Vendors are evaluate quartly on the basis of the quality of material supplied while at the end of year, other parameters are also taken into consideration.



Quality Evaluation

The number of lots whose sample test reports show total conformance to the standard parameters of strength, micronaire and staple length will be determined, then a rating is given as:



A. % of accepted but non-conforming lots

Nil=5

<10%=4

10-15%=3

16-25%=2

26-35%=1

>35%=0



B. Non Conforming lots rejected

Nil= 5

<3%=4

3-5%=3

6-7%=2

8-10%=1

>10%=0



Sum Total will give the overall rating

Excellent-->10

Good-->8-9

Fair-->6-7

Poor-->2-5

V. poor--> <2

Annual Evaluation Procedure

1. Quality-->60% weightage

2. Delivery --> 15% weightage

3. Price-->10%

4. Service-->15%

1. Quality with respect to Standard Parameters

A. % of lots above

0-10=1, 10-20=2, 20-30=3, >30=4

B. % of lots adhering

0-25=1, 25-50=2, 50-60=3, 60-70=4, 70-80=5, 80-90=6, >90=7

C. % of Lots below

0-10=1, 10-20=2, 20-30=3, >30=4

Total Score= A+B-C

2. Delivery Schedule

100% compliance-->5, 90-99%-->4, 80-89%-->3, 70-79%-->2, 60-69%-->1, <60%=>

3. Price: 1-5 scale basis

4. Service: 5 point scale

Overall rating

Excellent=6.4-7.4, Good=4.4-6.3, Average= 3.4-4.3, Poor= 7.4-3.3, V. Poor= <2.3