The mercerisation process for Merino wool is a process normally applied to wool top or scoured loose wool, creating a ‘cashmere-like’ feel and a ‘silk-like’ appearance, changing the perceived hand feel of the fibre.
Superior hand-feel
Improved hand-feel for worsted-spun and woollen-spun knitwear.
Comfort
Improved comfort especially in next-to-skin products.
Improved drape
Improved drape and fluidity.
Mercerised Merino
The mercerisation of wool involves the removal of the scale structure from the surface of the wool fibre which creates a smoother fibre surface, the effect of which is to increase the sheen. The second part of the process involves the application of a very fine layer of silicone polymer which is grafted permanently onto the fibres’ surface.
The application of the silicone polymer brings about significant improvement in the hand feel. Although as a result of the treatment, the actual diameter (micron) of the fibre does not change, the perceived improvement in hand feel is the equivalent of using wool 2 - 3 microns finer.
Contact the Woolmark Technical Team for more information.