mercerise
Chemically strengthen fabric
To mercerise cotton is to treat it with sodium hydroxide under tension, giving it a lustrous, silky finish and increased strength.
The process, named for its inventor John Mercer, also makes the fibers take dye more readily.
Mercerised cotton appears in fine dress shirts and quality bed linens.
Also spelled mercerize.
Acid-neutralizing ionic compound
- caustic sodaSodium hydroxide
- sodium hydroxideCorrosive alkaline compound
- tensionStretched or strained state
- swellingAbnormal tissue enlargement
cellulose · wet processing · John Mercer · chemical treatment · fabric treatment · immersion · concentration · neutralization
Soft reflected light
- sheenSoft surface luster
- glossySmooth and shiny
- lustrousSoftly bright, reflective
- smoothnessFreedom from irregularity
softness · strength · absorbency · reactivity · colorfastness · brightness · uniformity
Plant fiber for textiles
- yarnTwisted strand for crafts
- threadFiber for stitching
- fabricWoven or knit material
- knit fabricLooped, stretchy textile
sewing thread · embroidery floss · Egyptian cotton · poplin · broadcloth · sateen · percale · lawn
alkali
Acid-neutralizing ionic compound
- caustic sodaSodium hydroxide
- sodium hydroxideCorrosive alkaline compound
- tensionStretched or strained state
swelling · cellulose · wet processing · John Mercer · chemical treatment · fabric treatment · immersion · concentration · neutralization · rinsing
luster
Soft reflected light
smoothness · softness · strength · absorbency · reactivity · colorfastness · brightness · uniformity
cotton
Plant fiber for textiles
knit fabric · sewing thread · embroidery floss · Egyptian cotton · poplin · broadcloth · sateen · percale · lawn · voile