"Mercerization" of Cotton with Tetramethylammonium Hydroxide

Abstract

Bleached cotton fabric is treated with an aqueous solution of tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) or with sodium hydroxide in various concentrations with or without tension. The degree of "mercerization" is characterized by the crystallinity, iodine sorp tion capacity, water retention values before and after drying, dye uptake, and color strength. The shrinkage of the slack mercerized fabrics is also measured. The "mercer izing" effect of TMAH is higher than that of NaOH, and all changes caused by swelling are significantly reduced by tension.