Question

The primary reason for degreasing cotton before using it as surgical dressing is to

• A. Increase absorbency
• B. Improve tensile strength
• C. Enhance colour
• D. Reduce fibre length

Hint:

Degreasing cotton removes fatty matter and makes cotton more absorbent.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Raw cotton naturally contains a thin layer of wax and fatty substances on the surface of the fibers. This makes the cotton "water-repellent."
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Degreasing: This process involves treating the raw cotton with dilute alkali (like sodium hydroxide) under pressure. This removes the natural oils, fats, and waxes.
2. Absorbency: Once these oily barriers are removed, the cellulose fibers can instantly absorb water and body fluids (like blood and pus). This transformed product is known as "Absorbent Cotton Wool."
3. Others: Degreasing does not significantly affect fiber length or color (bleaching is used for color).
Step 3: Final Answer:
The removal of natural fats and waxes is essential to make cotton hydroscopic, which is required for its function as a surgical absorbent.