verb
- treating cotton fabric or thread with sodium hydroxide to increase its strength, luster, and ability to take dye
Usage: textile industry; present participle of mercerise
Examples
- The textile mill is mercerising the cotton fabric to improve its quality.
- Mercerising cotton thread makes it stronger and more lustrous.
- The process of mercerising was invented by John Mercer in 1844.
- After mercerising, the fabric accepts dye much more readily.
- The company specializes in mercerising cotton materials for high-end clothing.
- Mercerising involves treating the cotton with a strong alkaline solution.