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Caustic mercerization and liquid

ammonia mercerization on cotton
fabric
Published on November 29, 2015

Patanjal Kumar
M.Tech (IITD), Lean Six Sigma Green Belt 5 articles Follow
Certified

Caustic mercerization

The treatment consists of immersing the yarn or fibre in a solution of sodium hydroxide
(caustic soda) for short periods of time, usually less than four minutes. The material is then
treated with water or acid to neutralize the sodium hydroxide. If the material is held under
tension during this stage, it is kept from shrinking appreciably; if no tension is applied, the
material may shrink by as much as one-fourth. Higher-quality cotton goods are usually
mercerized; cloths so treated take brighter, longer-lasting colours from less dye. The effect
of caustic soda on cotton was discovered in 1844 by John Mercer, an English calico printer,
who received a patent for it in 1850.

Mercerisation alters the chemical structure of the cotton fibre. The structure of the fibre
inter-converts from alpha-cellulose to a thermodynamically more favourable beta-cellulose
polymorph. Mercerising results in the swelling of the cell wall of the cotton fibre. This
causes increase in the surface area and reflectance, and gives the fibre a softer feel. An
optional last step in the process is passing the thread over an open flame; this incinerates
stray fibres, improving the fabric's appearance. This is known as "gassing the thread" due to
the gas burner that is typically used.

Mercerized Cotton Fabrics accept dye so much better than other fabrics. Mercerization gives
much richer and more vibrant colour saturation than with un-mercerized versions of the
same cotton fabric.

1. Mercerization is a treatment for cotton fabric and thread that gives fabric or yarns a
lustrous appearance and strengthens them. The process is applied to cellulosic materials
like cotton.

1. Mercerization is the process of treating cotton by immersing the fabric in a caustic soda
 solution (sodium hydroxide) and later neutralising it in acid. This is done to primarily to
increase lustre. Mercerised cottons are therefore stronger, smoother, and shinier and
have better affinity for dyes as opposed to regular cottons.

1. It is a chemical treatment applied to cotton fibres or fabrics to permanently impart a

greater affinity for dyes and various chemical finishes. Mercerizing also gives cotton
cloth increased tensile strength, greater absorptive properties, and, usually, a high degree
of lustre, depending on the method used.

Objective of mercerization

To improve lustre of cotton materials.

To improve strength and mechanical properties.

To improve dye ability and moisture absorbency.

To improve dimensional stability of materials.

Improving elasticity.

Physical Changes

Improvement in strength.

Improvement in lustre (under tension).

Change in cross section from bean shape to almost circular.

Change in longitudinal view convoluted to cylindrical.

Chemical Changes

Formation of cellulose- II.

Improvements in moisture regain (more hydroxyl group).

Improvement in dye uptake.

Structural Changes

Cellulose-I Cellulose-II

Liquid Ammonia Mercerization

Treatment of cotton fibre with liquid ammonia (NH) produces similar affects that of
mercerization.

The liquid ammonia treatment is widely accepted for yarns used in ‘Sewing Threads’
 and special fabrics like denims, corduroys, pillow material, linen, jute and blends of
cellulose with PET and/or nylon.

Advantages of Ammonia mercerization

Less pollution.

Higher productivity.

Jute and linen can be mercerized.

Evenness and uniformity of swelling is comparatively better.

Disadvantages of Ammonia mercerization

Very costly equipment.

Ammonia recovery problem, leakages will do great harm to the personnel working.

Lower shade depth as compared to caustic mercerization

Features of liquid ammonia processing

This processing makes the core fibres swell equally.

The fibres keep their soft feel as no damage is done by this processing.

Enhanced tear resistance.

Excellent crease recovery.

This processing adds gentle, elegant lustre to the fibres.

Highly uniform dyeing properties.

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Patanjal Kumar 5 articles Follow

M.Tech (IITD), Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certified
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 Patanjal Kumar
M.Tech (IITD), Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certified

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Caustic mercerization and liquid

ammonia mercerization on cotton
fabric
Published on November 29, 2015

Patanjal Kumar
M.Tech (IITD), Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Follow
Certified

Caustic mercerization

The treatment consists of immersing the yarn or fibre in a solution of sodium hydroxide
(caustic soda) for short periods of time, usually less than four minutes. The material is then
treated with water or acid to neutralize the sodium hydroxide. If the material is held under
tension during this stage, it is kept from shrinking appreciably; if no tension is applied, the
material may shrink by as much as one-fourth. Higher-quality cotton goods are usually
mercerized; cloths so treated take brighter, longer-lasting colours from less dye. The effect
of caustic soda on cotton was discovered in 1844 by John Mercer, an English calico printer,
who received a patent for it in 1850.
Mercerisation alters the chemical structure of the cotton fibre. The structure of the fibre
inter-converts from alpha-cellulose to a thermodynamically more favourable beta-cellulose
polymorph. Mercerising results in the swelling of the cell wall of the cotton fibre. This
causes increase in the surface area and reflectance, and gives the fibre a softer feel. An
optional last step in the process is passing the thread over an open flame; this incinerates
stray fibres, improving the fabric's appearance. This is known as "gassing the thread" due to
the gas burner that is typically used.

Mercerized Cotton Fabrics accept dye so much better than other fabrics. Mercerization gives
much richer and more vibrant colour saturation than with un-mercerized versions of the
same cotton fabric.

1. Mercerization is a treatment for cotton fabric and thread that gives fabric or yarns a
lustrous appearance and strengthens them. The process is applied to cellulosic materials
like cotton.

1. Mercerization is the process of treating cotton by immersing the fabric in a caustic soda
solution (sodium hydroxide) and later neutralising it in acid. This is done to primarily to
increase lustre. Mercerised cottons are therefore stronger, smoother, and shinier and
have better affinity for dyes as opposed to regular cottons.

1. It is a chemical treatment applied to cotton fibres or fabrics to permanently impart a

greater affinity for dyes and various chemical finishes. Mercerizing also gives cotton
cloth increased tensile strength, greater absorptive properties, and, usually, a high degree
of lustre, depending on the method used.

Objective of mercerization

To improve lustre of cotton materials.

To improve strength and mechanical properties.

To improve dye ability and moisture absorbency.

To improve dimensional stability of materials.

Improving elasticity.

Physical Changes
 Improvement in strength.

Improvement in lustre (under tension).

Change in cross section from bean shape to almost circular.

Change in longitudinal view convoluted to cylindrical.

Chemical Changes

Formation of cellulose- II.

Improvements in moisture regain (more hydroxyl group).

Improvement in dye uptake.

Structural Changes

Cellulose-I Cellulose-II

Liquid Ammonia Mercerization

Treatment of cotton fibre with liquid ammonia (NH) produces similar affects that of
mercerization.

The liquid ammonia treatment is widely accepted for yarns used in ‘Sewing Threads’
and special fabrics like denims, corduroys, pillow material, linen, jute and blends of
cellulose with PET and/or nylon.

Advantages of Ammonia mercerization

Less pollution.

Higher productivity.

Jute and linen can be mercerized.

Evenness and uniformity of swelling is comparatively better.

Disadvantages of Ammonia mercerization

Very costly equipment.

Ammonia recovery problem, leakages will do great harm to the personnel working.

Lower shade depth as compared to caustic mercerization

Features of liquid ammonia processing

This processing makes the core fibres swell equally.

The fibres keep their soft feel as no damage is done by this processing.

Enhanced tear resistance.

Excellent crease recovery.

This processing adds gentle, elegant lustre to the fibres.

Highly uniform dyeing properties.

Report this

Patanjal Kumar
M.Tech (IITD), Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certified

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