Mercerisation is a process devised by John Mercer in 1844 which changes the shape of the fibre and increases both its tensile strength and affinity for dyes. Sodium hydroxide and tensioning of the yarn is used to change the natural spiral structure of the cotton to a straighter, rounded fibre, which gives it a more lustrous look. This is sometimes enhanced by gassing, which burns away the short whiskers of cotton.
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