Influence of Bleach Activators in Removing Different Soils from Cotton Fabric

Abstract

The influence of adding Sodium Perborate Tetrahydrate (NaPB) and tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED) on the efficiency of removing soils from cotton fabric was evaluated in the study. NaPB as inorganic peroxide and TAED as a bleach activator were added to a commercial washing powder agent. Four standard soils applied on cotton fabric (EMPA standard soiled fabrics) were used in the study, i.e. 101 – carbon black/olive oil, 114 – red wine, 116 – blood/ milk/ink and 160 – chocolate. The washing of fabrics was conducted in accordance with the SIST EN ISO 105-C06 standard at 40, 60 and 90 °C in Launder-Ometer apparatus. The washing efficiency was evaluated by determining the CIE L* colour coordinates of the unwashed and washed fabric samples, and the difference in ΔL* colour coordinates among them. The results showed that NaPB and TAED improve the efficiency of washing for two standard soils, have no effect on one, and deteriorate the washing results of one standard soil.