The textile and dyeing industry is one of the thriving industries due to the open market mechanism, the growing demand for domestic and export garments. In the process of manufacturing textile and dyeing products, in addition to the main raw materials, it is indispensable for an important raw material that is chemicals. Depending on each stage and production process, chemicals will be used with many different uses.

What are chemicals used in the textile industry?

Chemicals used in the textile industry are a group of inorganic chemicals used to dye and finish textiles. Chemicals used in the textile industry include:

- Sodium chloride, sodium hydrogen sulfate, sodium sulfate: Used in dyeing process.

- Magnesium sulfate: Use when finished.

- Sodium sulfite and sodium dithionite: As a reducing agent in fabric dyes and sulfur dyes.

- Aluminum salt: Used in fabric waterproofing.

- Sodium chloride, sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide: Used for bleaching.

- Ammonia, caustic soda, sulfuric acid, formic acid, acetic acid: Used in dyeing and finishing processes.

6 most typical chemicals in the textile and dyeing industry

1. Hydrogen peroxide H2O2

Hydrogen peroxide H2O2 has the scientific name of Hydrogen peroxide (hydrogen peroxide), the chemical formula is H2O2, usually with a concentration of 50% or more. Distinguishing characteristics: Chemical transparent liquid, looks like water but more greasy than water.

Possessing the properties of a strong oxidizing agent, hydrogen peroxide H2O2 is considered an effective and powerful bleaching agent. With the advantage of being environmentally friendly, hydrogen peroxide is preferred in the textile dyeing industry as a bleaching agent for fibers and paper; sterilization, deodorization; It is very effective as an oxidizing agent in the dyeing process.

=> Note when storing hydrogen peroxide H2O2: Hydrogen peroxide H2O2 is very flammable, the risk of detonation is high, so it should be stored in a cool, dry place. Under direct light, hydrogen peroxide is easily decomposed, so it should be stored in sealed drums, avoiding direct sunlight.

2. Javen NaCl – Sodium hypochlorite

Javen identification sign: is a lemon yellow solution, considered a strong oxidizing agent, in light and temperature environment, Javen is easily decomposed and released chlorine gas.

In the textile dyeing industry, Javen NaClo is a chemical used as a bleaching agent, mold stains, resins, and plants. Javen water is very dangerous, contact with eyes should be avoided.

3. Acetic Acid CH3COOH

Acetic acid is a colorless liquid. At a temperature of 16 degrees Celsius, 99.5% of acetic acid will freeze and 16.635 degrees Celsius will melt. Acetic acid is a weak acid that is soluble in water, alcohol and ether.

In the textile dyeing industry:

• Acetic acid will slow down the dyeing process, helping to enhance the evenness of the product.
• A chemical used to prepare colored solutions. Naphthol dyes, if you use acetic acid, will have a fresher, clearer color.
• As a neutralizer of alkaline solutions
• Helps to color acid dyes
• As a colorant for insoluble azo dyes

4. Oxalic Acid (COOH2)

Oxalic acid is classified as a strong acidic chemical. According to research, oxalic acid is 10,000 times stronger than acetic acid.

Applications in the textile dyeing industry: 25% oxalic acid is produced as a mordant or bleaching agent in the dyeing process. Due to the ability to discolor purple pigment, Oxalic Acid is considered as a deoxidizer in redox reactions, used to remove clay stains on fabrics.

Note: Oxalic acid is easy to damage and lint, so it is necessary to rinse it thoroughly after use.

5. Soda sodium carbonate

Soda Sodium carbonate is a white powder, easily soluble in water. Uses of Soda Sodium carbonate in textile dyeing industry:

• Water softeners
• Used as dye auxiliaries
• Increases solubility for direct dyes
• Create an alkaline environment
• Used as a mordant for reactive dyes, removing stains, stains, and oils.
• Combine with soap as emulsifier to cook wool, silk...

6. Caustic soda

Caustic soda is a chemical widely used in the textile industry, in the stages of cooking, bleaching, polishing, dyeing, flower printing, etc., with the following uses: sizing, refining cotton fabric, removing impurities and soap. on the fabric, bleaching after dyeing, creating a high alkaline solution in the bleach solution.

Above are some typical chemicals in the textile dyeing industry. Depending on the purpose of use, you can choose the type of chemical as well as the appropriate dose to ensure safety and high efficiency!