Denim mercerization plays a key role for cotton knitted fabrics. Compared with ummercerized fabric, mercerized fabric is more suitable. In denim industry, mercerizing process is different form other mercerizing process. In general, dyeing is followed by mercerizing.
The followings are the process of mercerizing techniques for cotton knitted fabrics
1.Warping
2.Dyeing and sizing
3.Weaving
4.Finishing
5.Washing (in mercerizing machine)
6.Mercerization
7.Finishing without singeing
8.Inspection
Steps of processing in mercerization machine: In mercerization machine, the process is sequential. The first step is washing then is mercerization.
Washing:
Closed Tank-1: Desizing using detergent
Impregnation Tank: Desizing using detergent
Stabilization Tank: Water wash
Closed Tank-2: Water wash
Closed Tank-3: Water wash
Closed Tank-4: Water wash
Closed Tank-5: Water wash
Mercerization:
Closed Tank-1: Water Wash
Impregnation Tank: Caustic (NaOH) solution
Stabilization Tank: Steam supply
Closed Tank-2: Water wash
Closed Tank-3: Water wash
Closed Tank-4: Water wash (80℃)
Closed Tank-5: Acetic acid (CH3COOH)
Temperature in mercerizing- 41℃-43℃
Caustic (NaOH) concentration in bath- 250 g/l (500 g/l)
Bath pick-up- 95%
There are various mercerizing machine available in the market. Among of them, DHALL which is manufactured in India is the most popular brand.