Single Step Mercerization and Formaldehyde-Free Polyfunctional Finishing on Cotton Fabrics

Mercerization, the treatment of cotton with concentrated sodium hydroxide under tension, is performed to enhance absorption, luster, strength and dimensional stability. After mercerization, the unreacted sodium hydroxide is neutralized with acids. Neutralization with polycarboxylic acids (PCAs) is likely not only to crosslink the cellulose molecules, but to also enhance other functional attributes like crease recovery behavior, fame retardancy, and soil release properties. In this research, four PCAs with different functional groups were used for fabric neutralization to merge mercerization and poly-functional finishing into one continuous process. The PCA treated fabrics were then assessed for their performance. All four PCAs were effective in improving crease recovery and soil release properties, and reducing the flammability, of the treated cotton fabric.