mercerization
Fabric strengthening treatment
Mercerization is a chemical treatment applied to cotton fabric or thread, using sodium hydroxide to swell the fibers.
The process increases luster, strength, and dye absorption.
Mercerized cotton has a silky sheen and holds color better than untreated cotton: The mercerized thread won't fade as quickly.
Plant fiber for textiles
- yarnTwisted strand for crafts
- threadFiber for stitching
- fabricWoven or knit material
- fiberPlant-based digestive aid
woven · knit · Egyptian cotton · sateen · broadcloth · poplin · shirting · bedding
Corrosive alkaline compound
- caustic sodaSodium hydroxide
- alkaliAcid-neutralizing ionic compound
- cellulosePlant wall polysaccharide
- swellingAbnormal tissue enlargement
saponification · neutralization · pH · concentration · reactivity · molecular · hydroxyl · crystallinity
Soft reflected light
- sheenSoft surface luster
- silkinessSmooth, lustrous texture
- smoothnessFreedom from irregularity
- softnessYielding to gentle pressure
hand feel · glossiness · richness · suppleness · luxuriousness · fabric quality · brightness
Resistance to pulling force
- durabilityResistance to wear
- tear resistanceStrength against ripping
- reinforcementAdding support or encouragement
Stretched or strained state
- treatmentCare for an ailment
- immersionState of being submerged
- stretchingExtending muscles or material
- washingCleaning with liquid
drying · chainless · roller · padding · dwell time · rinsing · continuous · batch
cotton
Plant fiber for textiles
fiber · woven · knit · Egyptian cotton · sateen · broadcloth · poplin · shirting · bedding · apparel
colorfastness
Resistance to fading
- brillianceExceptional intelligence or luster
sodium hydroxide
Corrosive alkaline compound
- caustic sodaSodium hydroxide
- alkaliAcid-neutralizing ionic compound
- cellulosePlant wall polysaccharide
swelling · saponification · neutralization · pH · concentration · reactivity · molecular · hydroxyl · crystallinity · amorphous
luster
Soft reflected light
- sheenSoft surface luster
- silkinessSmooth, lustrous texture
- smoothnessFreedom from irregularity
softness · hand feel · glossiness · richness · suppleness · luxuriousness · fabric quality · brightness
tensile strength
Resistance to pulling force
- durabilityResistance to wear
- tear resistanceStrength against ripping
- reinforcementAdding support or encouragement
tension
Stretched or strained state
- treatmentCare for an ailment
- immersionState of being submerged
- stretchingExtending muscles or material
washing · drying · chainless · roller · padding · dwell time · rinsing · continuous · batch