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 is a Textile Engineer, as well as a Top Rated content writer at Upwork, a Level 02 Seller at Fiverr, Level 02 Publisher at Ezoic. A passionate textile and fashion content writer, fashion SEO expert, and fashion web designer. Having a B.Sc. in Textile Engineering Degree from Textile Engineering College, Noakhali (TECN). The department is Apparel Engineering. Highly Experienced fashion writer for the last 3+ years. Have extensive 7 years of experience in the wholesale clothing business.