EFFECT OF MERCERIZATION FOLLOWED BY CROSS-LINKING ON COTTON FABRIC PROPERTIES

This study aims to establish optimum conditions of mercerization and resin finishing treatments and obtain cross-linked cotton fabrics having good wrinkle resistance properties without severe strength loss. Plain weave cotton fabrics were mercerized using NaOH at concentrations ranges from 200 to 300 g/l. The optimum conditions of mercerization for every fabric structure depend on its weight per unit area. Results show that tension mercerization improved strength properties by changing the kidney shape of cotton fibres to elliptical cross-section and higher orientation. These fabrics were subjected to crease recovery treatments using Dimethylol Dihydroxy Ethylen Eurea (DMDHEU). Mercerization increased breaking load, fabric tear, and abrasion resistance by a percent ranges from 10 to 20 %, 8 to 21 %, and 7.1 to 17.3 % respectively. On the contrary, resin finish decreased the breaking load, fabric tear, and abrasion resistance by a percent 15 to 30 %, 8 to 38 %, and 22.4 to 43.9 % respectively. So, performing optimum mercerization followed by cross-linking retained enhancement in strength properties of cotton fabrics.