Mercerization
Mercerization
A chemical treatment of cotton (or linen) yarn with a high-concentration sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) solution, which modifies the structure of the fibre giving silky lustre, increased strength and improved dye absorption. The yarn is held under tension during the treatment to keep its shape, then washed and neutralized. Yarn mercerization is carried out in hank form and significantly increases dye uptake during dyeing.
Gassing
Reeling
Unwinding
Cone winding
Waxing cone winding
Yarn conditioning
Mercerization
Finishing
Dye bath
Autoclave
Hydro-extractor
Yarn dryer
Greige yarn
Cones
Hanks
Lab dip
Liquor ratio
Color fastness
Hand feel
← Back to glossary