Abstract
Peracetic acid is an efficient oxidant and a good alternative to conventional chemicals for bleaching cotton. In order to establish optimal conditions for its use, giving a high degree of whiteness and good water absorption without damage to the fabric, the chemistry of its consumption and the efficiency of the bleaching process have been examined. The effect of temperature and initial pH was assessed, and in particular the influence of the alkali used to control the pH. The highest and most rapid consumption of peracetic acid was seen with magnesium carbonate, the slowest with sodium hydroxide. The bleaching effect was greatest with sodium carbonate and least with sodium hydroxide, although the differences were not large. In all cases damage to the fabric was minimal. The best conditions for bleaching with peracetic acid were found to be 60 °C and an initial pH 7, in the presence of either sodium carbonate or magnesium carbonate.
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