mercerization
/ˌmɜːrsəraɪˈzeɪʃən/
noun
- The chemical process of treating cotton fabric or thread with a substance (usually sodium hydroxide) to increase its strength, luster, and ability to absorb dye.
- Mercerization is a key step in producing high-quality cotton threads.
- The invention of mercerization revolutionized the textile industry in the 19th century.
- Students in the textile class learned about mercerization and its effects on fabric.
Synonyms