What is Mercerizing?
Mercerizing: Mercerizing is a physico, chemical process where cotton treated 15-20% soda solution at a temperature of 200-300C
Mercerization Chemical reaction:
C6H7O2(OH)3 + NaOH → C6H7O2(OH)2 (ONa) + H2O
(Cellulose-I) (Alkali Cellulose)
↓
C6H7O2(OH) + NaOH
(Cellulose-II)
Why Mercerizing is called a physiochemical Process?
Step-1: Cotton fibre has a kidney shape in x-section with a lumen at the center.
Step-2: Cellulose of the fibre begins to swell into aqueous soln of sodium hydroxide.
step-3: Immediately the fibre becomes elliptical in the X-section.
Step-4: On further swelling, the section pounds off.
Step-5: Fibel width increases at least 25-30%. & cellulose wall swells inwards until the lumen is eliminated -d.
Step-6: When the fibre is washed off, it begins to shrinkage of the cellulose.
Step-7: On drying, a further & final shrinkage occurs & the lumen does not recover.
Benifit of Mercerizing:
- Improved tensile strength.
- Improved absorbency
- Improved dye affinity
- Improved smoothness
- Improved lusture
Mahedi Hasan working as an Executive in Fabric Marketing at Textile Suppliers Ltd. Graduated with B.Sc. in Textile Engineering. Before was a Top Rated content writer at Upwork, and Level 02 Seller at Fiverr, Level 02 Publisher at Ezoic. Very passionate about content writing, SEO practice, and fashion website designing. Highly Experienced fashion writer for the last 4+ years. Have extensive 7 years of experience in the wholesale clothing business.