Question 12 (Textile Technology & Fibre Science)
Scouring and cold mercerisation of cotton are carried out by treatment with aqueous sodium hydroxide. The process parameters that differ in the two processes are
| (A) | Temperature and alkali concentration only |
| (B) | Temperature and treatment time only |
| (C) | Treatment time and alkali concentration only |
| (D) | Temperature, treatment time and alkali concentration |
[Show Answer]
Option D
Frequently Asked Questions | FAQs
What is scouring of cotton ? | What is scouring ?
Scouring is a process used to remove impurities, such as dirt, wax, grease, and natural substances, from cotton fibers before they are processed into yarn or fabric. The process of scouring is an essential step in the production of cotton textiles and is necessary for producing high-quality yarns and fabrics.
Scouring can be performed using either a batch process or a continuous process, depending on the specific requirements of the textile manufacturer. In a batch process, a set amount of cotton fibers is placed in a large vat or container with a scouring solution, which typically consists of a combination of water and detergents. The fibers are agitated to remove the impurities and then rinsed and dried.
In a continuous process, the cotton fibers are passed through a series of tanks or chambers, each of which contains a different scouring solution. The fibers are agitated and rinsed in each chamber until all the impurities have been removed.
The purpose of scouring is to produce a clean and pure cotton fiber that is free of impurities, as impurities can negatively impact the quality and performance of the final textile product. The scoured cotton fibers are then ready for the next step in the textile manufacturing process, which may include carding, spinning, and weaving.
Overall, scouring is an important process in the production of high-quality cotton textiles, and its proper implementation is critical for producing top-quality yarns and fabrics.
what is mercerisation of cotton ? | What is mercerisation ?
Mercerization is a process used to treat cotton fibers in order to improve their lustre, dye affinity, and tensile strength. The process involves immersing the cotton fibers in a caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) solution, which causes a chemical change in the fibers.
During mercerization, the sodium hydroxide solution causes the fibers to swell, which makes the fibers more receptive to dyes and increases the fibers’ lustre. Additionally, the mercerization process causes the fibers to become more oriented, which results in increased tensile strength.
After the mercerization process is complete, the cotton fibers are rinsed with water to neutralize the caustic soda solution and remove any residual alkali. The fibers are then dried and are ready for further processing into yarns and fabrics.
Mercerization is commonly used in the production of high-quality cotton textiles, such as shirting and sateen fabrics, and it is also used to produce specialty cotton products, such as stretch denim and high-performance athletic wear.
Overall, mercerization is an important process that helps to improve the quality and performance of cotton fibers and textiles, and its proper implementation is critical for producing high-quality cotton products.