Mercerization of Ramie: Comparisons with Flax and Cotton

Abstract

The effects of slack and tension mercerization on selected physical and accessibility characteristics of ramie were compared to the effects of the same treatments on flax and cotton. Slack mercerization of ramie and flax resulted in considerable losses in yam strength, while tension mercerization resulted in increased strength. Increased yarn strength was seen in both slack and tension mercerized cotton yarn. The effects of mercerization on ramie fiber cross-sectional parameters included increases in pe rimeter and area with no change in circularity. Little apparent change in fiber size or shape occurred in flax fibers, while the primary effect on cotton was increased circu larity. Increases in fiber accessibility were seen in all mercerized fibers, but the mag nitude of change in flax was approximately half of that in ramie and cotton. For all three fibers, the extent of swelling and modification in accessibility was greater under slack conditions.