Abstract
In response to recent concern for energy conservation while launder-ing at lowered temperatures, this study investigated stain removal and fabric degradation effects of sodium hypochlorite bleach on stained cotton fabrics. Blue and green reflectance readings were used to calculate both whiteness values and percentage of stain removal values, while tensile strength measurements were used to determine fabric degradation. An “acceptable bleach treatment” category was established, having a minimum of 75% whiteness and 90% of origi-nal breaking strength. Temperature, bleach concentration, time and pH were investigated, with each factor except pH being significant. Low bleach concentration was more satisfactory than high concen-tration, while cold and warm temperatures were more acceptable than very cold and hot temperatures. An overnight bleach soak treatment of up to 16 hr was not damaging if a cold temperature of 25 C was chosen. Selecting cold (room) temperatures for chlorine bleaching could provide energy savings for the consumer, textile mill or commercial laundry, while providing acceptable whiteness and fabric strength retention.
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Simpson, L.P., Riggs, C. Bleaching with sodium hypochlorite: Interactions of temperature, time, pH and concentration with stain removal and fabric strength. J Am Oil Chem Soc 60, 1680–1686 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02662434
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02662434