Cotton Mercerization
Mercerization, effect of Mercerization, cotton Mercerization, Mercerization and there effect, object of MercerizationThe main object or mercerization is to improve luster. However, the process is also carried out sometimes to enhance dye ability , to remove crease mark and remove naps from the fabric .
The mercerization treatment consists of Swelling the cotton fibre with 20 to 23 % caustic Soda solution at room temperature under tension for specified duration. Tension during mercerization is necessary to improve luster.
Mercerization changes the following properties : It increases luster and reduces the axial ratio as shown
Cross - Section of Cotton Fibre Before and After Mercerization
Microscopic observation shows that the cross - Section of cotton changes From elliptical to circular form, due to mercerization. This can he measured as a ratio of two axes and being longer than . The ratio / of unmercerized cotton is about 2. 2 to 2. 6 whereas that of mercerized cotton is about 1.5 to 1. 6.
Convolutions of the cotton fibres are removed duce to mercerization . The mercerized fibre when viewed under a microscope will look like a cylindrical tube .
Mercerization increases reactivity and absorbency of cotton fabrics ( or chemicals , dyes , water , etc . and improves their tensile strength
