To study the influence of mercerizing variation on the absorbency and whiteness test for the cotton woven fabrics

Abstract

The mercerization of cotton fabric is common practice in the preparation process that enhances dye uptake and facilitates uniform dyeing in addition to improving dimensional stability, strength, and luster. Changes in microstructure, morphology, and conformation of the cellulose chains also occur during mercerization. The extent of the changes that occur depends on the processing time, caustic concentration, temperature, degree of polymerization. The main objective of this research work is to analyze the whiteness index, absorbency test of the different fabric samples made of different cotton yarns. The count of these yarns was as under 32Ne, 35Ne, 40Ne, 45Ne, 50. These fabrics were treated at different temperatures of 20 30, 40, 50, 65˚C. It was found that mercerized cotton fabrics at low-temperature Mercerize is done only on the surface of the fabric but as the temperature is increased the mercerization & done on the core of the fabric. Absorbency is increased as the temperature is increased. Whiteness index is decreased as the temperature is increased.