Mercerized Egyptian cotton: properties, advantages and disadvantages

Egyptian cotton is considered the best in the world. And this is not surprising, because for its production quality natural ingredients are used, exclusively natural dyes. Yarn cotton is an excellent choice for craftsmen who need to use environmentally friendly, safe materials.

What is the procedure for mercerization of cotton?

Not all cotton grades are suitable for mercerization treatment. To get high-quality fabric, the raw material must be of exceptional quality. Therefore, the procedure is subjected mainly to a long-fiber elite cotton grade.

Egyptian cotton is processed by mercerization as follows:

1. The threads of the material are soaked in a weak solution of caustic soda. The progress of the process is controlled by automated systems that track the performance of the material as it is processed. As a result, Egyptian cotton acquires the ability to stain and becomes more durable.
2. At the next stage, whitening of the threads takes place, which allows neutralizing the action of the alkaline-hydrogen solution. Then yarn cotton is painted. Thus, the threads acquire a durable and rich color.
3. 100% cotton is burned by the action of gas burners. Thus, the threads acquire a cylindrical shape, their level of hairiness decreases, the material acquires smoothness and attractive shine.

Material properties

In the process of mercerization from Egyptian cotton, natural fleeces are eliminated, which makes it possible to obtain shiny smooth yarns. Therefore, one of the main advantages of the material is the resemblance to silk.

Products made from mercerized cotton are extremely durable and at the same time have a flexible, soft structure. This fabric does not burn out in the sun and does not change the shade under bright light. The material is difficult to deform or tear during washing.

Due to the high level of hygroscopicity, the fabrics from mercerized cotton are pleasant to the touch, they show themselves well during socks, they do not cause irritation in contact with the skin.

disadvantages

The disadvantages of mercerized cotton fabric include the appearance of the effect of shrinkage of things after washing. In addition, such products dry long enough.

Cotton yarn can not be called elastic. Therefore, it is recommended to use it for making canvases that are homogeneous in their structure, or things with openwork patterns.

Disadvantages of yarn made from natural cotton are corrected by adding acrylic, viscose, polyester fibers to the structure of the material. In this way, really light, strong fabrics are obtained.

How to define Egyptian mercerized cotton?

When choosing a yarn, it is extremely important to distinguish the material that has undergone special treatment from ordinary cotton. After all, in the market there are often quality fakes. To determine mercerized Egyptian cotton, it is necessary to resort to the following actions:

1. When checking the yarn, pull the thread out of the skein and set it on fire. The latter must burn without a trace. This smell will remind burnt paper.
2. Crumple the cotton cloth, holding it in his hand for a few seconds. If the material is strongly izmnetsya - this is not a real mercerized cotton.
3. Spread a hand over the surface of the material. Standard cotton will leave a feeling of roughness. The mercerized fabric will turn out to be smooth.

As an additional factor, according to which it is possible to determine the original material, its color appears. Mercerized yarn has bright, rich hues.

In the end, Egyptian cotton, which was subjected to special chemical treatment, is an order of magnitude more expensive than conventional material. Mercerization itself is not a cheap procedure. Yes, and Egyptian cotton is expensive, because its fibers are longer than in conventional varieties.

Finally

Despite the relatively high price, the purchase of yarn in the form of Egyptian mercerized cotton is a good investment. Finished products from the presented material will impress with its steady color, silky, smooth structure, excellent moisture permeability.