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mercerization |
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mercerizationChemical treatment applied to cotton fibres or fabrics to make them permanently able to accept dyes and various chemical finishes more easily. The method, patented in 1850 by the English calico printer John Mercer, also gives cotton cloth increased tensile strength and greater absorptive properties. Higher-quality cotton goods are usually mercerized. The treatment consists of dipping the yarn or fibre in a solution of sodium hydroxide and then treating the material with water or acid to neutralize the sodium hydroxide. mercerization [‚mər·sə·ri′zā·shən] (textiles) A technique used to increase luster, dye absorptivity, and strength in cotton and linen goods; the cloth is put into a heated solution of caustic soda at a controlled temperature, then washed, neutralized, and rinsed. Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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