Chemicals are an indispensable part of the textile production and finishing process. So, what are the most common textile chemicals? Let’s find out the answer in the following article.
1. What are Textile Chemicals? Their Importance in the Textile Industry
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ToggleTextile chemicals are inorganic substances, salts, and acids used in the process of manufacturing fibers, fabrics, and finishing textile products. Textile chemicals include dyes, fabric softeners, anti-wrinkle agents, waterproofing agents, detergents, and many others.
Chemicals play an extremely important role in the textile industry, from fiber pretreatment, bleaching, dyeing, and printing to finishing. They are widely used to improve the durability and functionality of textile products.
For example, flame retardants for upholstery fabric, antibacterial agents for sportswear, or mildew-resistant agents for protective clothing. Furthermore, chemicals simplify the production process, creating special fabrics like UV-protective, wrinkle-resistant, or high-durability fabrics. It can be affirmed that the remarkable development of the modern textile industry would not have been possible without chemicals.
2. A List of 20+ Common Textile Chemicals
Here is information about common chemicals corresponding to each stage of textile product manufacturing, from bleaching and dyeing to anti-wrinkle and waterproofing treatments.
2.1. Dyes
Dyes are chemicals used to color fabric and other textile materials, enhancing their aesthetics and meeting customer requirements.
- Azo Dyes: A class of dyes containing the azo group (-N=N-) in their structure, they often have bright colors and high colorfastness.
- Physical Dyes: These dyes do not react chemically with the fabric but only adhere to the fiber surface, so they are prone to fading when washed.
- Precipitating Dyes: Dyes that create a precipitation reaction on the fabric surface, resulting in durable colors.
- Plant-Based Dyes: Extracted from plant sources such as coffee, cashew fruit, and natural wood, they have high safety but often lower colorfastness compared to synthetic dyes.
- Animal-Based Dyes: Dyes derived from animal sources such as those used for silk and wool from insects or marine animals, they often yield beautiful, natural colors.
2.2. Dyeing Auxiliaries
Dyeing auxiliaries are chemicals that help improve dyeing efficiency. Their main uses are to adjust pH, enhance color uptake, stabilize the dyeing environment, and decolorize before dyeing.
- Dyeing Salts: Phosphate, sulfate, chloride salts, etc., are used to adjust colorfastness and improve the dye’s absorption on the fabric.
- Alkaline Agents: Sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, etc., adjust the pH during the dyeing process, helping the dye penetrate evenly and last longer.
- Stabilizers: Urea, acetic acid, oxalic acid, etc., help stabilize the dyeing environment, prevent precipitation, and improve dyeing efficiency.
- Reducing Agents: Dithionite, sulfur dioxide, formaldehyde, etc., are used to decolorize before dyeing, helping to create even colors that meet requirements.
2.3. Finishing Agents
Finishing agents are chemicals used after the dyeing process to improve the fabric’s properties and quality. Examples include anti-wrinkle, waterproofing, flame-retardant, antibacterial, and durability-enhancing agents.
- Anti-Wrinkle Agents: Composed of polymers, synthetic resins, etc., these help prevent fabric from wrinkling after washing, maintaining the product’s aesthetic appeal.
- Waterproofing Agents: Silicones, paraffin, polyurethanes, etc., create a coating on the fabric surface, protecting it in wet conditions.
- Flame Retardants: Ammonium salts, phosphates, etc., reduce the fabric’s flammability, enhancing safety during use.
- Antibacterial Agents: Silver, copper, and zinc compounds, etc., inhibit the growth of bacteria and mold on the fabric, protecting the user’s health.
2.4. Bleaching Agents
Bleaching agents are chemicals used to remove the natural color of fabrics, brighten them, and prepare the fabric surface for subsequent processing steps.
- Chlorine and Derivatives: Hypochlorite, dichloroisocyanurate, etc., are widely used in fabric bleaching, offering high efficiency but can be harmful if not used correctly.
- Active Oxygen: Hydrogen peroxide and peracids are less harmful to the environment and are often preferred in modern industry.
- Sulfur and Disodium Compounds: These help bleach fabrics effectively.
2.5. Wastewater Treatment Chemicals
Wastewater treatment chemicals are used to treat wastewater and waste generated during the dyeing process.
- Neutralizing Agents: Sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, etc., neutralize the remaining alkaline agents from the dyeing process, ensuring environmental safety.
- Precipitants: Aluminum, iron, and calcium salts remove impurities and heavy metals from wastewater, reducing pollution.
- Oxidizing Agents: Such as ozone and chloramines, these oxidize organic substances, disinfect, and purify wastewater.
- Enzymes for Color and Odor Removal: These effectively and safely remove unpleasant colors and odors from wastewater.
2.6. Cleaning and Detergent Chemicals
Cleaning and detergent chemicals help remove dirt, oil, grease, and other impurities from fabric surfaces and textile materials.
- Dechlorinating and Decolorizing Agents: These help remove residual chlorine and unwanted dyes from water, ensuring clean and safe water.
- Soaps, Powders, and Liquid Detergents: Commonly used in daily life, they help clean clothes and fabric surfaces.
- Water Softeners: Phosphonates and polycarboxylates reduce water hardness, increasing the effectiveness of detergents.
3. Environmentally Friendly Textile Chemicals – VieChemol SR
Despite their significant benefits, the use of textile chemicals also poses many challenges, especially concerning the environment and health. However, with remarkable technological advancements, manufacturers and businesses are continuously seeking environmentally friendly chemical solutions that protect consumer health.
VieChemol SR Conc 5 in 1, a product from VieTextile, is a non-ionic surfactant used for wetting, scouring, and bleaching in the dyeing industry. With its ability to remove oil stains and prevent impurities from redepositing, this product helps fabric become clean and bright through a short process. The Ethoxylate component cleans effectively, is easily soluble in water, does not create much foam, and is not affected by hard water or pH levels. VieChemol SR is stable and does not cause dangerous reactions, making it a highly popular and environmentally friendly solution today.
This article has introduced over 20 common textile chemicals while emphasizing the importance of applying chemicals in production. For the goal of sustainable development, you should understand the types of chemicals and continuously seek alternative solutions that are safe for health and friendly to the environment.
If you are interested in our VieChemol SR Conc 5 in 1 scouring agent, do not hesitate to contact us through the following methods:
- Phone: +84 (0) 901809309
- Email: Info@Vietextile.com
- Office: 82C Quach Dinh Bao, Phu Thanh Ward, Tan Phu District, Ho Chi Minh City