mercerization

The most valuable application of mercerization at the present time is the lustering of cotton yarn, which is accomplished by subjecting the yarn under tension to the action of caustic-soda solution and then thoroughly removing the caustic soda by washing before the tension is relieved. Egyptian or sea-island cotton is best suited for the purpose, and with yarns of these cottons a high silky luster may be obtained. Two-ply yarn is commonly used, and the nature of the twist of the yarn has been found to have more or less influence upon the result.

A process of treating cotton fiber or fabrics, invented by John Mercer, a Lancashire calico-printer, and patented in 1851.