STRETCH MERCERIZATION OF COTTON FIBERS. PART II: FABRIC PROPERTIES.

Abstract

Slack mercerization followed by gradual restretching to the ratio of 1. 25 by a series of closely set rollers in Part I of this study was proven to be effective in stretching the individual fibers shrunken during mercerization. The effect of stretch mercerization in roving form using this technique on the mechanical properties of fibers, yarns and fabrics was investigated. Stretch mercerized roving was converted into fabric and its properties were compared with the properties of three similar samples: fabric from mercerized yarns, mercerized fabric, and unmercerized fabric. Fabrics woven from stretch mercerized roving possessed greater strength than the commercially yarn-mercerized fabrics. The fabric produced from yarns made from stretch-mercerized roving had the lowest values of percent reduction in grab strength and tearing strength after resin treatments with dimethylol dihydroxyethyleneurea.