Enhancing the Durability of Linen-Like Properties of Low Temperature Mercerized Cotton

Abstract

In order to develop durable linen-like cotton yam with low temperature mercerization, pretreatment methods ensuring efficient and uniform penetration of the low temperature alkali solution into cotton yarn are studied. Pretreatments consisting of an alkaline scouring at higher NaOH concentrations and of a cellulase treatment and subsequent alkaline scouring are evaluated for their efficiency in removing wax and enhancing absorptive properties. The cellulase treatment/alkaline scouring is more efficient at re moving wax than alkaline scouring at higher NaOH concentrations. The cellulase treat ment and subsequent alkaline scouring result in wax contents lower than 0.1%. The cellulase treatment appears to degrade the cellulose on the surface of the cotton fibers, making it more accessible to the scouring agent and making wax removal easier. Swelling and wetting times are compared to identify a pretreatment sufficient for developing linen-like cotton. In low temperature mercerization, the pretreatment consisting of cellu lase treatment and alkaline scouring yields a linen-like cotton yarn whose stiffness is durable to knitting, wet processing, and even ten laundering cycles. The durability appears to be sufficient for practical applications of the process for producing linen-like cotton.