Bleaching of Cotton Fabrics by Hydrogen Peroxide in Milder Condition

Abstract

In order to establish the bleaching method for cotton fabrics under a mild condition, we attempted to treat the fabrics in various concentration of ferrous sulfate solution prior to hydrogen peroxide bleaching. The whiteness index (WI) and tensile strength for cotton were measured and compared with those of alkaline bleaching. It was observed that the pH for the bleaching solution has changed during bleaching depending on the pretreatment conditions such as ferrous sulfate concentration and immersion period. In addition, the WI and tensile strength for cotton were determined by the pH of the bleaching solution after bleaching. Furthermore, we have studied the effects of an addition of NaOH into hydrogen peroxide bleaching bath, on white index of fabrics and tensile strength of yarns when the pre-treatment was carried out with copper vitriol.