CATEGORY HUB · 25 ARTICLES
Pretreatment
Desizing, scouring, bleaching, mercerizing
The wet-process sequence that prepares greige fabric for dyeing. Chemical preparation of cotton, polyester, and blends. The foundation of every successful dyeing operation.
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Essential reading
Start here. The most important articles that explain the category to a textile engineer in one sitting.
Pretreatment
Whiteness Measurement
Whiteness of a textile is quantified by the CIE Whiteness Index, defined in ISO 11475:2004...
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Pretreatment
Pretreatment Quality Control
Whiteness of a textile is quantified by the CIE Whiteness Index, defined in ISO 11475:2004...
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Pretreatment
Combined Pretreatment Processes
Whiteness of a textile is quantified by the CIE Whiteness Index, defined in ISO 11475:2004...
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Pretreatment
Batch Pretreatment Process
Whiteness of a textile is quantified by the CIE Whiteness Index, defined in ISO 11475:2004...
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More from this category
More specific processes, techniques, and topic deep-dives.
Pretreatment
Continuous Pretreatment Process
Whiteness of a textile is quantified by the CIE Whiteness Index, defined in ISO 11475:2004...
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Pretreatment
Scouring of Cotton: Kier Scouring
Whiteness of a textile is quantified by the CIE Whiteness Index, defined in ISO 11475:2004...
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Pretreatment
Preparation of Silk: Degumming
Whiteness of a textile is quantified by the CIE Whiteness Index, defined in ISO 11475:2004...
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Pretreatment
Preparation of Wool: Carbonizing and Crabbing
Whiteness of a textile is quantified by the CIE Whiteness Index, defined in ISO 11475:2004...
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Pretreatment
Preparation of Synthetic Fibers: Heat Setting
Whiteness of a textile is quantified by the CIE Whiteness Index, defined in ISO 11475:2004...
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Pretreatment
Mercerization: With and Without Tension
Whiteness of a textile is quantified by the CIE Whiteness Index, defined in ISO 11475:2004...
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Pretreatment
Causticizing Process
Whiteness of a textile is quantified by the CIE Whiteness Index, defined in ISO 11475:2004...
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Pretreatment
Liquid Ammonia Treatment
Whiteness of a textile is quantified by the CIE Whiteness Index, defined in ISO 11475:2004...
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Pretreatment
Bleaching Process: Hydrogen Peroxide Process
Hydrogen peroxide bleaching of cotton at 2-5 g/L H2O2, pH 10.5-11.0, and 80-95°C for 30-60...
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Pretreatment
Bleaching: Sodium Hypochlorite
Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) at 2 to 5 g/L available chlorine bleaches cotton at pH 10.0...
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Pretreatment
Peroxide Bleaching: Stabilizers and Activators
Hydrogen peroxide bleaching removes 70–85% of cotton’s natural color bodies within 60 minutes at 80–95°C...
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Pretreatment
Bleaching: Sodium Chlorite
Sodium chlorite (NaClO2) activated to chlorine dioxide (ClO2) bleaches polyester, nylon, acrylic, aramid, and polyolefin...
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Pretreatment
Mercerization: Cold vs Hot
Cold mercerization of cotton at 15-25°C in 23-25% sodium hydroxide raises fiber tensile strength by...
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Pretreatment
Mercerization: Yarn vs Fabric
Cotton mercerization with 20-25% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at 15-25°C swells the fiber cross-section by 20-25%,...
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Frequently asked questions
What is desizing?
Removing the protective size (starch, PVA, CMC) applied to warp yarns before weaving. Methods: enzymatic (amylase), oxidative (hydrogen peroxide), or acidic. Critical for even dyeing.
What is scouring?
Alkaline treatment (NaOH 5-10 g/L at 95-100C) with surfactant to remove natural waxes, oils, and pectins from cotton. Critical for even dye uptake.
What is bleaching?
Oxidative whitening, typically with H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) at 95C, pH 10.5-11.0. Removes natural pigments from cotton and prepares for dyeing or printing.
What is mercerizing?
Treatment of cotton with concentrated NaOH (22-26%) under tension. Increases luster, dye uptake, and tensile strength. John Mercer, 1844.
Why is pre-treatment important?
Pre-treatment is the foundation of every successful dyeing operation. Poor pre-treatment leads to uneven dyeing, color spots, and poor fastness. Most re-dye claims are due to pre-treatment issues.
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