Abstract: To clarify how the Baumé degree of mercerized alkaline solution affects the physical and chemical properties of pure cotton knitted shirting, the impacts of different Baumé degrees on properties such as dimensional stability, elastic recovery, adsorption, and glossiness were examined. The results indicate that increasing the Baumé degree improves these properties, but the rate of improvement slows significantly when the Baumé degree exceeds 25° Bé and slightly declines beyond 30° Bé. Additionally, the fabric feels stiffer at higher Baumé degrees. Therefore, the range of 25~30° Bé is considered the appropriate Baumé degree for mercerizing pure cotton knitted shirting.

Key words: Baumé degree of alkaline solution; dimensional stability; elastic recovery; adsorption property; glossiness