Lab Experiment 08

BLEACHING
Name:

Student Idi:

Score:

Signature of Lab tutor:

Dare:

BLEACHING OF 100%COTTON FABRIC BY CONTINUOUS METHOD

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
Upon the successful completion of this experiment students will be able to:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)

Understand the bleaching process

Understand role of auxiliaries used in this process
Understand the continuous bleaching process

MACHINES/MATERIAL REQUIRED
Scoured fabric
Pad-steam machine
CHEMICAL REQUIRED

Hydrogen per Oxide

Caustic Soda
Stabilizer
Wetting Agent
Sequestering Agent

DISCUSSION
During the scouring of cotton impurities like fats, wax, proteins, pectins and ash is
removed. However, scouring does not remove natural color of cotton. It also does
not completely remove seed and husk. To remove natural color of the cotton and
seed fragment bleaching process follows the scouring. Sometimes both scouring
and bleaching are simultaneously carried out; the process is called solamatic
bleaching.
Cotton contain natural pigments called chlorophylls and xanthophylls, which
cause its color to be yellowish. In the process of bleaching these pigments are
removed from the cotton fiber. Along with these pigments seed fragments are
also removed. Thus bleaching accomplishes purification of the fiber.
1.

Hydrogen per Oxide (H202):

2.

Hydrogen per Oxide is comparatively expensive bleaching agent. But ,

beacause of ease of application, least threat for the substrate and
environment friendly nature, it is widely used for the removal of natural
pigments.
Sodium hypo-chlorite (NaOCl):
If the pH is not controlled during NaOCl bleaching, it will degrade
cellulose; because of the formation of the hypo-chlorous acid at neutral
pH (7) and liberation of chlorine gas at pH lower than 7. However, under
controlled condition, it may be suitable option.

3.

Sodium chlorite (NaClO2):

Sodium chlorite when used as bleaching agent produces chlorine dioxide
(event at controlled process), which is extremely toxic. At the same time,
it is extremely corrosive to the machinery because of this it is least
preferred bleaching agent.

Depending on the extent of bleaching, fabric may be said to be half bleached or

full bleached. In the half bleached fabric, some of the natural pigments are
removed and fabric yet contains chlorophyll and xanthophlls. However in case of
full bleached fabric, almost all natural pigments are removed. The removal of the
natural color of the cotton, its whiteness is increased. A normal bleached fabric
may achieve whiteness index of about 60 to 75 or sometimes 80.
Typical Recipe
Chemical

Liquor Ratio

Hydrogen per Oxide (35%)

Caustic soda (solid)

Sandoclean PC-LF (paste)

Quantity

Stabilizer SIFA (liquid)

MgCl2

PROCEDURE
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Prepare the bath according to recipe.

Pad the fabric at 80% pick up.
Steam ( saturated) the fabric for 20-30 min: at 102C.
Hot rinse at 80C-90C for 10 min:
Warm rinse at 60C for 10 min: and finally cold rinse for 5 minutes.

Calculations
S.N
O

Material

Fabric Weight

Total Liquor

Hydrogen per Oxide

Caustic Soda

Stabilizer

MgCl2

Sandoclean PC-LF
(paste)

Quantity

TEST REULTS

REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. What is role of MgCl2 in H2O2 bleaching?

2. What are the advantages of continuous bleaching over exhaust bleaching

process?

3. What are reasons of foaming and how it can be avoided?

FINAL CHECK LEST

1. Clean your machinery equipment/ material and workbench before you
leave.
2. Ensure the replacement of all equipments to their specified storage area.
3. Submit your answer to questions together with your data, calculation and
results before the next laboratory/ equipment.