The most common definition of short fibre content (SFC) is the proportion by weight of fibre shorter than one half inch (12.7 mm). The value is of concern to textile manufacturers because it relates directly to the amount of waste extracted in combing and cotton with high values has a detrimental effect on the quality of yarn and fabric. Understanding the level of short fibre content (SFC) found in Australian cotton, particularly in new long staple, fine Australian Upland varieties is important in the current industry push towards high quality 'niche' cotton.

Two new instrument technologies for measuring fibre length distribution including SFC have been assessed in this project. The instruments are the aQura2 manufactured by Premier Evolvic, Coimbatore India and the Optical Fibre Diameter Analyser (OFDA) 4000 manufactured by BSC Electronics, Perth WA. Both automatically prepare multiple arrays of aligned fibres that are then scanned; one using a CCD camera and the other using a photo-electric method. The automatic arrangement and direct measurement of fibre arrays potentially enables more accurate assessment of the length distribution in a sample and therefore of the SFC.