Mercerized Cotton, the most widely used natural fabric in the world is
known for its soft, luster and comfort quality since ages. To make
cotton more useful, it is sometimes blended with other natural or
synthetic fiber or is treated with different chemicals. One such
treatment is with alkali. The alkali treated cotton is called Mercerized
Cotton or Pearl (Pearle) Cotton.
Mercerized cotton fabrics are widely used because it is more stronger,
durable and stain resistant than normal cotton fabrics. Cloth made from
mercerized cotton fabrics do not shrinks while washing and also do not
stretches out when in use. Mercerized cotton fabrics are easily colored
when treated with color dye and the final product is more shiny than
un-mercerized cotton fabrics.
Mercerized cotton fabrics was first prepared by John Mercer in the year
1844. He discovered that when a cotton fiber is submersed in a strong
caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) solution under controlled tension then
it swells up and develop a high luster. After the alkali treatment, the
material is immersed in acid to neutralize it.
Any type of cotton, good quality or poor quality, can be mercerized but
usually Sea Island, Egyptian and Pima cotton are preferred. Mercerized
cotton is best for making tablecloths because it is highly resistant to
stains and wear. It do not stretches nor shrinks.
Types of Mercerized Cotton Fabrics
There are three types of mercerized cotton, namely single, double and
triple. When only the yarn is mercerized then it is known as
single-mercerized cotton. In the process when both the yarn as well as
the fabric is mercerized, it is known as double-mercerized cotton.
Triple-mercerized fabrics are those where even the final product is
mercerized along with the yarn and the fabric.
Characteristics of Mercerized Cotton Fabrics
- It do not shrinks or stretches.
- It is more luster and strong than un-mercerized cotton fabrics.
- It is more durable.
- It is more shiny.
- It absorbs more water and hence it is easily dyed.
Uses of Mercerized Cotton Fabrics
- Home Furnishings
- Garments
- Aviation Garments
