If cotton clothing is from a plant .then why doesn't it decompose like the rest of the plant.?

Answer 1

Cotton is almost pure cellulose. Decomposition or degradation of cellulose is a slow process due to tightly packed and hydrogen bonded glucan chains are not easily accessible to anything to degrade easily. However, after a long period of time, chemical or enzyme produced by symbiotic microorganism can decompose cotton clothing.

Answer 2

LIke the answers prior to mine have said, cotton does decompose, as well as just wear out. After dozens of washings tears develop, the fibers become brittle, and the cotton finally falls apart, as lint (remember the lint trap in your dryer?).
When clothiers use cotton for shirts or pants, they treat it with a chemical that seals the fibers to slow decomposition. They also use polyester to increase the cotton's life, by weaving the cotton and the polyester together.

Answer 3

The cotton plant doesn't die....unless it not watered and stuff. Clothes DO decompose but it takes a long time. So long, you and your great great great great grandchildren will grow out of them.

Answer 4

It does, under the proper conditions. You might ask the same of lumber, linen, or paper: all durable plant products. Cotton is a natural polymer, nearly pure cellulose. Cellulose is naturally resistant to decomposition when kept dry and away from ultraviolet light.

Answer 5

It does decompose. When we keep clothes clean, the bacteria and fungi that decay the fibers cannot work efficiently. Sooner or later though the cotton clothes decay due to sunlight, abrasion (due to dirt and clothes dryers), and the micro-organisms that enjoy eating such stuff.

Answer 6

cotton can decompose, it just takes longer than other organic materials.