Response Surface Optimization in Discharge Printing of Denim Using Potassium Permanganate as Oxidative Agent

Abstract

The present study was carried out to optimize discharge printing process for fashionable denim garments. Response surface methodology, involving a central composite design with three key factors, namely, potassium permanganate (KMnO4) concentration, pH of the printing paste, and reaction time, was successfully employed. The objective of this work was to develop a cost-effective, value-added process for denim fabric, where losses in tensile and tear strengths were to be minimized, while whiteness effect of discharge was to be maximized. The optimum conditions for discharge printing with potassium permanganate were found to be pH 6, KMnO4 concentration of 42 g/kg, and treatment time of 15 min. The validity of experimental values was found to be in good agreement with optimized combination of three variables.