Mercerization is a treatment for cotton that enhances its luster, strength, and dye absorption by treating it with a caustic alkaline solution, first developed by John Mercer. The process involves converting native cellulose into alkali cellulose and is performed using either tension or slack methods to achieve different properties. Important factors in mercerization include temperature, tension, and time, with specific maintenance checks necessary to ensure optimal operation.

3. Mercerization is a finishing treatment of
cotton with a strong caustic alkaline
solution in order to improve
the luster, hard and other properties,
was names after its discoverer, John
Mercer, and has been in use for
sometime. It has been seeing an
increase in application recently.

4.  To improve the lusture
 To improve the strength
 To improve the dye uptake and moisture regain

5. Native cellulose (Cellulose I) forms alkali cellulose I with concentrated sodium
hydroxide.On washing and neutralization cellulose II is formed.
C6H7(OH)3 + NaOH→C6H7O2(O)2(ONa)
C6H7O2(OH)3 + NaOH
Cellulose I Cellulose IAlkali
H2O
Cellulose II

6. Yarn
Twisting Singeing
Reeling (Hank Making)
Mercerizing
Bleaching
Dyeing
HYDROEXTRACTION
Drying
Hank Yarn
Neutralization
Hank to cone

7. Mercerization are two types:
Tension
Mercerization
• To increase luster of Cotton fibers
• To increase dye affinity and chemical
reactivity
Slack
Mercerization
• Not as lustrous as tension method
• To improve elongation and recovery
properties

8.  Improved Lustre.
 Increased ability to absorb dye.
 Improved reaction with a verity of chemicals.
 Improved stability of form.
 Improved strength/elongation.
 Improved Smoothness.
 Improved hand feel.

10. In Mercerizing followings are important:
1) Twaddle
2) Temperature
3) Tension
4) Time

12.  Check the quantity of fresh caustic soda in the caustic soda storage tank.
 Change the complete Machine and the auxiliary equipment visually.
 Check whether all chains, chain wheels and drives are properly running.
 Check the soda temperature to ensure that the cooling plant works properly.
 Check that all rollers are easily relatable.

13.  Grease all the bearings and moving parts.
 Check the bearing bolts and replace them if necessary.
 Change the gear oil of the gear boxes.
 Check the rubber coating of the fixation & drive rollers.
 Complete check of the cooling Plant.
 Check the spray rings, piping and armatures.
 Check the pneumatic piping for proper connection.
 Check and retighten the electric connections of machine.
 Replace the chains and the chain wheels of the drives.