Modification of cellulosic fibers by UV-irradiation. Part II: After treatments effects

► Cellulosic fabric was swelled by UV-irradiation for different time intervals (λ = 254 nm). ► The cellulose fabric was also swelled by applying conventional mercerization technique. ► The UV irradiated and mercerized cellulosic fibers were dyed using direct dyes. ► SEM analysis confirmed the rate of swelling of the cellulosic fiber in either of the treatment. ► The mercerized cellulosic fabrics have shown better tear and tensile strength as compared to the UV irradiated one.