Application of ozone solution for textile washing

Abstract

Textile manufacturing is one of the most important industries. One important issue in this industry is how to clean fabric by maintaining its quality. In this work, the application of ozone solution for removing linoleic acid as a simulated strain from 100% cotton fabric was experimentally investigated. The ozone solution was prepared by electrolysis technique at room temperature. The effects of ozone concentration in the range of 0.5 to 2.5 ppm and washing time of 5 to 20 min on the properties of ozone treated fabric samples was studied. From the experimental results, the removal of linoleic acid depended on pH of the ozone solution. The fastest oxidation rate constant of 0.0023 sec¯¹ could be achieved under the basic condition (pH≥9). The increasing ozone concentration and washing time could provide appreciable removal of the simulated stain. Whiteness index of the fabric treated with 2.5 ppm ozone solution increased 6.3 % comparing with the untreated one but the strength of fabric was decreased comparing with original fabric. After 30 washing cycles, the strength of the ozone washed fabric decreased only 7.29% in comparison with its original value but its whiteness index was still at the same level as that of the original one. The advantages of the ozone washing system were saving in the chemicals and extending lift time of the cotton fabric, when compared with the conventional washing system.