An eco-friendly approach to low-temperature and near-neutral bleaching of cotton knitted fabrics using glycerol triacetate as an activator

Near-neutral bleaching of cotton fabrics at low temperature is great importance for saving energy and ecological friendliness in textile industry. In this work, glycerol triacetate (GT) was investigated as an activator hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) knitted fabrics, satisfactory whiteness obtained. The properties H2O2/GT system assessed by the CIE index (WI), H2O2 decomposition rate, concentration generated peracetic acid bursting strength. Possible factors affecting bleached were discussed detail. At 60 °C, adding only 10 mmol/L GT to solution (60 mmol/L) bleach min, WI significantly increased from 52.09 68.92. By using benzenepentacarboxylic a fluorescent probe hydroxyl radical (HO·) detection, it found that could clearly promote HO· generation its closely related fabric. Furthermore, mechanism proposed exploring relationship between concentration. has more economical benefits better water solubility than tetraacetylethylenediamine. may provide cost-effective environmentally friendly approach alternative conventional alkaline high-temperature bleaching.