Influence of Sodium Hydroxide Concentration and Soaking Duration on Absorbency and Weight of Tencel Fabric During Mercerization

Rafly Prahmantia Putra; Maya Komalasari; Luciana Luciana

doi:10.37577/sainteks.v7i02.942

Rafly Prahmantia Putra Politeknik STTT Bandung
Maya Komalasari
Luciana Luciana Universitas Bandung Raya

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37577/sainteks.v7i02.942

Keywords: mercerization, sodium hydroxide, absorbency, fabric weight, tencel

Abstract

Tencel fabric has characteristics similar to cotton fibers but possesses the durability of synthetic fibers. It is produced using environmentally friendly technology. Tencel is made with the solvent NMMO (N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide), which is recyclable up to 99%. This fabric is derived from cellulose fibers or regenerated cellulose fibers. The advantages of tencel include good absorbency, luster, and tensile strength. This study aims to determine the optimal concentration of caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) and soaking time in the mercerization process during the finishing preparation of tencel fabric, focusing on weight reduction, absorbency, tensile strength, dimensional stability, and fiber morphology. Tencel is known for its easy fibrillation in wet conditions and significantly high tensile strength. Previous studies have shown that alkali treatment can enhance absorbency and luster. Mercerization was carried out with variations in caustic soda concentration at 7, 9, 11, and 13 °Be and soaking times of 30, 45, and 60 seconds. The results showed that higher caustic soda concentrations and longer soaking times led to decreases in weight, tensile strength, and dimensional stability. However, absorbency increased up to a certain concentration before declining again. This is also influenced by changes in fiber morphology due to the mercerization process using caustic soda. The optimum point was determined using a ranking and weighting method based on test results and evaluation of tencel fabric. The optimal mercerization condition was found at a caustic soda concentration of 9°Be with a soaking time of 45 seconds, yielding a weight reduction of 4.07%, absorbency of 4.5 cm/2 minutes, warp direction tensile strength of 6.34 N and weft direction of 7.5 N, and dimensional stability of 6.8% in the warp direction and 2.4% in the weft direction.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Chae, D. W., K. R. Choi, B. C. Kim, and Y. S. oh. 2003. “Effect of Cellulose Pulp Type on the Mercerizing Behavior and Physical Properties of Lyocell Fibers.” Textile Research Journal 73 (6): 541–45. https://doi.org/10.1177/004051750307300613.
Chae, D W, K R Choi, B C Kim, and Y S Oh. 2003. “Effect of Cellulose Pulp Type on the Mercerizing Behavior and Physical Properties of Lyocell Fibers.”
Goswami, Parikshit, Richard S. Blackburn, Jim Taylor, and Patrick White. 2009. “Dyeing Behaviour of Lyocell Fabric: Effect of NaOH Pre-Treatment.” Cellulose 16 (3): 481–89. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-009-9279-z.
Periyasamy, Aravin Prince, and Jiri Militky. 2020. Sustainability in Regenerated Textile Fibers BT - Sustainability in the Textile and Apparel Industries: Sourcing Synthetic and Novel Alternative Raw Materials. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-38013-7_4.
Poongodi, G. R., Nachiappan Sukumar, V. Subramnaiam, and Y. C. Radhalakshmi. 2021. “Effects of Alkali Treatment and Strain Hardening on the Mechanical, Dye Uptake, and Structural Properties of Regenerated Cellulosic Yarns.” Journal of Natural Fibers 18 (1): 122–35. https://doi.org/10.1080/15440478.2019.1612809.