Effect of alkalies: Cotton is highly resistant to alkalies. It can withstand all alkaline reagents and soaps. Alkalies such as sodium hydroxide and ammonia are used for finishing of cotton to impart desirable qualities.
Effect of acids: Cotton’s resistance to acids is inferior to its resistance to alkalies. It shows good resistance to dilute organic acids such as acetic and citric acids. Prolonged exposure may tender cotton. Dilute or strong mineral acids such as sulphuric acids will destroy cotton
Effect of bleaches: Cotton can withstand chlorine and perborate bleaches and not easily damaged unless it is very strong. Heavy bleaching may turn white cottons yellow reducing its strength.
Effect of Solvents: Cotton is soluble in cuprammonium hydroxide and cupriethylene diamine. For rest of the solvents cotton exhibits resistance.
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