In textile finishing, which concept relates to improving dye uptake and fabric luster?

In textile finishing, which concept relates to improving dye uptake and fabric luster?

• A. Bleaching
• B. Mercerization
• C. Pre-washing
• D. Heat setting

Answer: (B)

Mercerization is a chemical finishing step that treats cotton with caustic soda under tension. This causes the fibers to swell and reorient their crystalline structure, producing a smoother surface and greater reflectivity, which together improve dye diffusion into the fiber and increase dye uptake as well as giving a brighter, more lustrous finish. Bleaching removes color but doesn’t enhance how the fiber takes up dye or its luster. Pre-washing cleans and softens but doesn’t boost dye affinity or shine. Heat setting stabilizes fabric shape, mainly for thermoplastic fibers, and isn’t aimed at improving dye uptake or luster in cotton.

Mercerization is a chemical finishing step that treats cotton with caustic soda under tension. This causes the fibers to swell and reorient their crystalline structure, producing a smoother surface and greater reflectivity, which together improve dye diffusion into the fiber and increase dye uptake as well as giving a brighter, more lustrous finish. Bleaching removes color but doesn’t enhance how the fiber takes up dye or its luster. Pre-washing cleans and softens but doesn’t boost dye affinity or shine. Heat setting stabilizes fabric shape, mainly for thermoplastic fibers, and isn’t aimed at improving dye uptake or luster in cotton.