mercerize Definition
to treat cotton or other cellulosic fiber with caustic soda and tension to increase its strength, luster, and affinity for dye.
Using mercerize: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "mercerize" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The cotton is mercerized to give it a lustrous appearance.
Example
Mercerizing improves the dye uptake of cotton fibers.
Example
The mercerization process increases the tensile strength of cotton fibers.
mercerize Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with mercerize
cotton that has been treated with caustic soda and tension to increase its strength, luster, and affinity for dye
Example
The dress is made of mercerized cotton, which gives it a shiny appearance.
yarn made from mercerized cotton
Example
The scarf is made from mercerized yarn, which makes it soft and shiny.
fabric made from mercerized cotton
Example
The tablecloth is made from mercerized fabric, which gives it a glossy finish.
Origins of mercerize
named after John Mercer, the British chemist who invented the process in 1844
Summary: mercerize in Brief
'Mercerize' [ˈmərsəˌraɪz] is a verb that refers to the process of treating cotton or other cellulosic fiber with caustic soda and tension to increase its strength, luster, and affinity for dye. This treatment results in mercerized cotton, yarn, and fabric, which have a shiny appearance and improved dye uptake. The term is often used in the textile industry.
