Lab Experiment 15

MERCERIZATION
Name:

Student Idi:

Score:

Signature of Lab tutor:

Dare:

MERCERIZATION OF COTTON FABRIC BY CONTNUOUS METHOD

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
Upon the successful completion of this experiment students will be able to:
(i)
(ii)

Understand process of mercerization and its objectives

Understand continuous method of mercerization and role of chemical
auxiliaries in it

MACHINES/MATERIAL REQUIRED
Caustic soda
Mercerol
Acetic acid
DISCUSSION
Mercerization is a process in which strength, absorbency and luster of cotton is
enhanced by treating with high concentration of caustic soda (NaOH), this
treatment brings in structure conformational resulting into reshaping of kidney
shaped cross-section of cotton fiber into almost circular. As a it, strength,
absorbency and luster and of treated fabric is enhanced.

Typical Recipe
Chemical

TOTAL LIQUOR

CAUSTIC SODA 28-30 Be

MERCEROL QW-LF(liquid)

Quantity

PROCEDURE
1. Prepare solution according to the recipe & maintain temperature of
solution b/w 15-18 c or at room temperature.
2. Saturate / stabilize the fabric in solution with tension for 40-60
seconds.
3. Hot rinse the fabric at 80-90c for 15 min:then warm at 60 c for 10 min:
4. Finally neutralize the ph OF FABRIC WITH ACETIC ACID(1.0ML/LITER)for
5 min: & then cold rinse
TEST REULTS

REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. Discuss effect of fabric tension on mercerization?

2. How does mercerization improves luster and absorbency of cotton fiber ?

3. What is function of mercerol?

FINAL CHECK LEST

1. Clean your machinery equipment/ material and workbench before you
leave.
2. Ensure the replacement of all equipments to their specified storage area.
3. Submit your answer to questions together with your data, calculation and
results before the next laboratory/ equipment.