Shining a Light on Mercerized Cotton: Benefits, Uses, and Care

The yarns used in the textile industry have the power to change the characteristics of the textile product. Although usually natural yarns are both friendly to the skin and rich in features, it is possible to strengthen these properties with some procedures. The Mercerization process is also a preferred process to increase the properties of fibers such as cotton. This process, which is done by adding sodium hydroxide under a certain voltage, strengthens some of the basic properties of cotton such as durability, absorbency, softness, and appearance. For this reason, mercerized cotton is a type of yarn used frequently in the textile industry and is the most functional form of cotton. Because this process is quite complicated, it is usually done professionally in areas such as the yarn factory. If you want to use mercerized cotton, this article will guide you correctly with the details it addresses.

What is Mercerization?

Mercerization is the process of giving the yarn new features and appearance. The yarn produced from cotton is taken into a caustic solution such as sodium hydroxide and processed under a certain tension. As a result of this process, the fibers swell and the dyes used pass into the yarn better. This process is highly functional because it is successful in both increasing the durability of the yarn and giving it a brighter look. These characteristics distinguish mercerized yarn from others and make it stand out with its silky texture.

Introduction to Mercerized Cotton

As it is known, cotton is one of the most used yarns in the textile industry, so it can be applied to many different processes to increase its properties. Mercerized cotton is obtained by passing the thread through the mercerization process. In this way, cotton becomes more durable and brighter than normal. In addition to these, it can directly absorb the paint to be applied, and it tends to be less in case of pulling and disrupting its form after washing. After a cotton yarn passes through the mercerization process, the hair on it decreases, so it reflects more light and acquires a bright appearance. This process, which reaches from 1950 years to the present day, is often used in the textile industry. Since it retains its vivid appearance for a long time, it makes textile products more attractive, so the mercerized cotton is quite popular compared to other yarns.

How is Mercerized Cotton Made?

The name mercerized comes from John Mercer, who first discovered this process. When cotton is combined with caustic soda or sulfuric acid, the fibers begin to swell and flatten. When combined with caustic soda under high tension, its properties such as color absorption, durability and brightness begin to increase. In order to do this process, it is quite permissible and thin yarns are needed as structure. This is because this yarn requires less twisting. Doing this procedure is not as simple as it seems, so it is advisable to carry out the process with care.

What Are the Uses of Mercerized Cotton?

The range of use of mercerized cotton is very diverse, especially in everyday life. This type of yarn, also called pearl cotton, is especially ideal for knitting made with crochet. For this reason, the yarns produced for crochet are mostly mercerized. This cotton is suitable for use in all kinds of textile products made by crochet. Decorations, summer tops or children’s clothes are the most common areas. In addition, thanks to its bright appearance and silky structure, it has become a preferred type of yarn in luxury textile products. It is common to use in everyday textile products as the mercerization process makes the yarn more durable than normal and allows it to absorb the paint better. Because it is durable, it is not deformed after washing processes, which makes this yarn advantageous. Finally, since the moisture absorbing property is more than normal cotton yarn, it also plays a role in the production of non-sweating and breathing textile products.

Key Benefits of Mercerized Cotton

Mercerized cotton can be very advantageous in many ways compared to other yarns. This is because the mercerization process improves the characteristics of the yarn. This cotton, for example, has a much brighter, silky, and aesthetic appearance, and this is due to the straightening process to the yarn. Since it has more dye absorption power than normal cotton yarn, it also has a colorful and vivid appearance. This makes the textile products produced with mercerized yarn look more luxurious and eye-catching. In addition to these, this cotton is also advantageous in terms of softness and comfort. Because the fibers become flat during the mercerization process, they are smooth and soft in structure and provide a comfortable use. It also stands out because it is not easily deformed in long time or daily use because its durability increases.

Comparing Mercerized vs. Unmercerized Cotton

• It is necessary to examine the differences between them with the unmercerized cotton to see how functional the mercerized cotton is. These differences are summarized through some of the following key features.
• The mercerized yarn does not undergo any chemical treatment which is mercerized when undergoing a chemical treatment and is used in its natural state.
• The fibers of the thread, which are mercerized by chemical treatment, are flattened by the process. This gives the thread a smooth look. Because it reflects light better, it also acquires a very bright appearance. Unmercerized ones have feathers on the fibers and are therefore not so bright.
• Although cotton is not bad for color absorption, the mercerization process increases this feature to a higher level. This way treated yarns have better absorption and reflection in colors. Although the unmercerized ones can absorb colors, they are not as successful as the treated yarns in this regard.
• Cotton is among the durable fabrics in the textile industry, but the process for mercerization also greatly increases the durability of the fibers. For this reason, the threads that have undergone the treatment show an extra resistance to abrasion and deformities.
• Since cotton is a natural fabric, it is also soft in structure, but the mercerization process ensures that the fibers are even softer and acquire a smooth texture.
• One of the main differences between mercerized and unmercerized cotton is their use. Mercerized cotton is the reason why it is preferred especially for luxury clothing due to its brightness and texture. Unmercerized cotton is generally preferred for everyday wear in the textile industry.