Definition
Mercerization is a process in which cotton is treated with sodium hydroxide solution under tension. The naturally wavy fibers swell and are straightened by the applied tension. The fabric gains luster and tensile strength, and dye uptake is greatly increased. Mercerization also prevents shrinkage during washing.
Use in the textile industry
Mercerized cotton yarn and woven fabric are preferred for high-quality outerwear, shirting fabrics, and fine knitted fabrics where a silky luster and uniform dyeing are required. In home textile production, mercerized woven fabric is used for bed linen and tablecloths, where dimensional stability during washing is especially important. Mercerization is also a common finishing process in the production of embroidery yarn and sewing thread, as the increased yarn strength and luster improve both processability and appearance quality.
Learn textile knowledge in context
You have just looked up a single technical term. In textil trainer, you learn how textile materials, processes, and contexts are connected.
The free learning platform teaches textile fundamentals step by step in interactive online courses. Each online course includes its own glossary with the most important terms of the respective topic. Across all courses, more than 600 textile terms with narrated explanations are available.
textil trainer is developed together with the Chair of Textile Technologies at Chemnitz University of Technology, chemmedia AG, and companies and educational institutions from the textile sector.