Assessing structural changes in cotton yarns during wet processing, merceriztion, and scouring

Yarn properties depend on the spinning and finishing processes used, such as mercerization, scouring, and bleaching. Ring-combed (RSc), ring-carded (RSca), and open-end (OE) spun yarns were mercerized and scoured by conventional alkaline treatment and enzymatic scouring processes (using alkaline pectinase and acid pectinase). The mechanical properties, degree of mercerization, degree of orientation, work of rupture, and abrasion resistance were investigated after each stage of finishing. The greatest increase in tensile strength, elongation, and work of rupture and the greatest decrease in initial modulus were observed on mercerized, ring-spun yarns. The smallest increase in the degree of orientation, tensile strength, elongation, and work of rupture, and the greatest decrease in abrasion resistance were observed on mercerized, OE-spun yarns.