mercerisation
Cotton luster treatment
Mercerisation is a treatment for cotton and other cellulose fibres that increases strength, lustre, and dye absorption.
The fabric or thread is treated with sodium hydroxide under tension, causing the fibres to swell and become rounder in cross-section.
The process produces a silky sheen and makes colours more vibrant: mercerised cotton thread.
British spelling; American English uses *mercerization*.
process
Corrosive alkaline compound
- caustic sodaSodium hydroxide
- tensionStretched or strained state
- wet processingChemical treatment using liquids
- washing offRemoving by water
luster
Soft surface luster
- glossShine or annotation
- shineEmit or reflect light
- silkinessSmooth, lustrous texture
- brightnessDegree of light emitted
reflectivity · light reflection · radiance · gleam · pearlescence
strength
Resistance to pulling force
- durabilityResistance to wear
- tear resistanceStrength against ripping
sodium hydroxide
Corrosive alkaline compound
- caustic sodaSodium hydroxide
- tensionStretched or strained state
- wet processingChemical treatment using liquids
sheen
Soft surface luster
brightness · reflectivity · light reflection · radiance · gleam · pearlescence
tensile strength
Resistance to pulling force
- durabilityResistance to wear
- tear resistanceStrength against ripping