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GCSE Design and Technology · key term
Treatment of cotton with concentrated sodium hydroxide under tension to improve lustre, strength and dye uptake.
Used by Edexcel and Eduqas
Specification 6.8.1 · Paper 1
Revise: Chemical, Physical, Biological and Smart Textile FinishesMercerising is a treatment for cotton. The cotton is treated with concentrated sodium hydroxide while held under tension. This improves its strength, lustre and absorbency.
Component 1
A chemical treatment of natural fibres that produces a smoother, more lustrous fabric.
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Mercerising is a chemical rather than mechanical way of increasing lustre. The treatment causes changes in the fibres, including swelling and shrinking, leaving a smoother, more lustrous fabric. It is used on natural fibres, such as cotton.
