Hydrogen peroxide and potassium per-oxo-disulphate combined room temperature bleaching of jute, cotton and jute-cotton union fabrics — An energy-efficient ecofriendly process

Abstract

A method for room temperature bleaching of jute, cotton and jute-cotton union fabrics using a combination of H₂O₂ and K₂S₂O₈ has been optimized. The measurement of physical properties, such as breaking tenacity, weight loss and surface appearance, including SEM study indicates that the proposed room temperature bleaching process is less damaging to the three types of fabrics studied as compared to conventional hot (85ºC) H₂O₂ bleaching. The whiteness index is within the acceptable range. The suggested reaction mechanism indicates that K₂S₂O₈ acts as a peroxide booster showing a synergistic action. This room temperature bleaching process is energy efficient, ecofriendly and economical, which can be easily adopted by both small scale and large scale sectors.