ePrivacy and GPDR Cookie Consent by TermsFeed Generator

industrial bleaching

Industrial bleaching is a technological process of removing natural color, impurities and residues from textile fibers (cotton, linen, wool, synthetic materials) using chemical or physical methods. The goal is to achieve the desired level of whiteness and prepare the material for further processing (dyeing, printing). Main stages and methods of bleaching Pre-treatment of fibers: Includes washing, degreasing and removal of natural impurities (e.g. waxes from cotton or lignin from linen). This stage increases the effectiveness of the bleaching itself and is carried out with alkaline solutions with the addition of wetting agents Bleaching with chemical agents: - Cotton and cellulose fibers: Sodium hypochlorite (NaClO₂) is most often used, which removes yellow pigments and achieves high whiteness. The process takes place at a temperature of 80–95 °C and requires pH control with hydrochloric acid (HCl) to neutralize alkaline residues - Wool: Due to the sensitivity of the fibers to aggressive agents, a milder hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is used in an alkaline environment. This method also prevents damage to the fiber Synthetic fibers (polyester, polyamide): Bleaching is often combined with thermal processes, with the application of reducing or oxidizing agents. Neutralization and washing: Bleaching is followed by a thorough washing to remove chemical residues and stabilize the pH of the fibers. In the case of hydrogen peroxide, the washing is carried out with the addition of chelating agents that bind metal ions and prevent the formation of yellow tones Specialized techniques Mercerization (for cotton): Combined with bleaching - the fibers are treated with a concentrated solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH), which increases their shine, strength and ability to accept dye Carbonization (for wool): Removes plant impurities using sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) before the actual bleaching. After carbonization, the fibers are neutralized with sodium acetate Environmental aspects Modern bleaching focuses on reducing water and chemical consumption. Ecological alternatives include the use of enzymes (e.g. peroxidases) or ozone, which minimize toxic wastewater.
Show more

Gallery

About the technology

Technologies / Tools / Machines industrial technology
Text source PCC Group – Chemikálie v textilnom priemysle Štátny vzdelávací program 31 TEXTIL A ODEVNÍCTVO Testex – Textilné farby alebo farbivá na farbenie textílií SBAgency – Textilný a odevný priemysel

Organizations Show more

Organization name Detail

Materials

  • Hemp fiber

    It is made from long bast fibres of the stem of industrial hemp. It is one of the oldest and most sustainable textile fibres. It is breathable,...

    Read more

  • Cotton

    Cotton is produced from a fine fibre that forms the protective covering of cotton plant seeds, resembling fluffy tufts of cotton wool. The word...

    • binding
    • bleaching
    • combing
    • dyeing
    • knitting
    • plying
    • spinning
    • twisting
    • weaving

    Read more

  • Merino microns 14

    Merino wool comes from sheep of the Merino breed, which originates in Spain. The first Merino sheep likely arrived in Spain during the Middle Ages,...

    Read more

  • Merino microns 16

    Merino wool comes from sheep of the Merino breed, which originates from Spain. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Merino sheep began to spread to other...

    Read more

Táto fáza projektu Knižnica lokálnych textilných materiálov bola podporená Fondom na podporu umenia.
This phase of the project Library of Local Textile Materials was supported by the Slovak Arts Council.

Let's start working together

Whether you're a designer, manufacturer, or company, we help you innovate and create more sustainable products.

Sign up

You are contacting us:

The product has been successfully added to the shopping cart

Login