Ultrasound-Assisted Mercerizing Process of Cotton Fabric: A Numerical Model Based on Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

The current study investigates the use of ultrasonic energy to provide a more efficient and eco-friendly mercerizing process. For both conventional and ultrasound-assisted techniques, the process variables, including sodium hydroxide concentration, reaction time, temperature, tensile strength and degree of mercerization, were modeled and compared by using the response surface methodology (RSM). The results revealed that the relationship between explanatory and response variables was similar in both techniques. However, there were greater changes for the ultrasonic-assisted treatment of samples. The optimum process parameters showed a lower alkali concentration in the mercerizing bath (approximate to 17 %) and a higher tenacity (approximate to 23 %) during the ultrasonic-assisted process, while the degree of mercerization was also higher in the same fibers. The study concluded that the ultrasound-assisted mercerization could be introduced as a more efficient alternative to the conventional mercerization process.