Additional information to mercerisation of fibre blends
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1. DESCRIPTION OF TECHNIQUES, METHODS AND EQUIPMENT
Color yield, ease of dyeing and uniformity of dyed fabric will offset cost of Mercerizing. This holds true even for yarn blends with low levels of cotton. The temptation to Mercerize must tempered with thoughts about how caustic affects the blending fiber. The following section discusses these issues.
- 1. Polyester/Cotton
These can be handled under the same conditions as 100 % cotton. Even though polyester fibers are sensitive to caustic, the temperature and time the fibers are in contact with Mercerizing strength caustic are insufficient to cause fiber damage. One problem with polyester/cotton blends it that they may not be as absorbent as 100 % cotton fabrics coming to the caustic saturator. This is because they have not been given the same thorough scouring and bleaching as 100 % cotton. In this case, special penetrating agents are needed to help the caustic solution wet out the fabric.
- 2. Cotton/Rayon
Rayon blends pose a number of special problems. Ordinary and high wet modulus viscose rayons are sensitive to caustic solutions. The degree of sensitivity is a function of fiber type and caustic concentration. For example, high wet modulus rayon can withstand caustic better than conventional rayon. Conventional rayon can be dissolved by caustic solutions. High strength caustic solution are less damaging to the high wet modulus rayon than lower strength solutions. Causticizing strength solution will cause the rayon to swell, become stiff and brittle and lose tensile strength. These conditions should be avoided. Fortunately, the higher strengths caustic solution are less damaging so conditions for Mercerizing 100 % cotton can be used. Special penetrants are also helpful in speeding up the wetting-out process to keep the time rayon is exposed to caustic to a minimum. If conditions are not correct, the damage may be so severe' that the rayon is dissolved.
Literature: Chemistry and Technology of Fabric preparation and finishing; Dr. Charles Tomasino, Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry & Science, College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, 1992.
2. NEW TECHNOLOGIES
- a) Changes in the process
No information is available.
- b) Changes in the heat supply system
No information is available.
- ) Changes in the energy distribution system
No information is available.
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