Usage & Application in Textile Industry

Hydrogen Peroxide 50% (H₂O₂) is one of the most widely used oxidizing agents in the textile industry. It plays a critical role in bleaching, desizing, scouring, disinfection, and wastewater treatment. Its strong oxidizing power, combined with environmentally friendly decomposition (into water and oxygen), makes it an essential chemical for modern dyeing and finishing processes.

1. Main Applications in Fabric Dyeing & Finishing

✔ 1. Bleaching of Cotton and Cellulosic Fibers

Hydrogen peroxide is the primary bleaching agent for:

Cotton

Cotton blends

Linen

Rayon

Tencel / Modal

Functions:

Removes natural pigments, oils, and impurities

Produces high whiteness before dyeing

Ensures uniform shade development during dyeing

Environmentally friendly — decomposes into H₂O and O₂

✔ 2. Scouring (Preparation for Dyeing)

Used together with caustic soda to:

Remove waxes, pectins, and fats

Improve fabric wettability

Enhance dye penetration and leveling

✔ 3. Desizing of Grey Fabric

Hydrogen peroxide assists in oxidizing and breaking down:

Starch-based sizes

Oil and grease residues

Synthetic sizing agents

Ensures cleaner fabric surface before bleaching/dyeing.

✔ 4. Cleaning & Disinfection of Machines

Due to its strong antimicrobial action:

Cleans dyeing machines, pipelines, and storage tanks

Removes microbial and bacterial deposits

Leaves no toxic residues

Widely used in dye houses for sanitizing jet machines and preparing vessels for critical color batches.

✔ 5. Wastewater Treatment

Hydrogen peroxide participates in:

Fenton reaction (with FeSO₄)

Oxidation of color, COD, BOD

Removal of sulfides and phenolic compounds

Odor control

2. Benefits for Textile Processing

Highly efficient bleaching agent

Provides stable whiteness and brightness

Improves final dye shade and uniformity

Environmentally friendly decomposition

Non-chlorine bleaching → reduces fabric damage

Suitable for high-temperature continuous bleaching

3. Dosage Guidelines (Industry Range)

Exact dosage depends on fabric type, shade requirement, and process conditions.

Cotton Bleaching: 3–15 g/L

Kier / Continuous Bleaching: 10–25 g/L

Scouring + Bleaching: 5–20 g/L

Machine Cleaning: 1–3% solution

Wastewater Treatment: 20–200 mg/L depending on contamination

4. Safety & Handling

Avoid contact with skin and eyes

Store in cool, ventilated areas away from metals

Use protective gloves and goggles

Keep away from organic materials and reducing agents