Title
Application of ultrasound in the pretreatment of cotton fabric
Authors
K. A. THAKORE and BADEMAW ABATE

Received August 22, 2016
Published Volume 51 Issue 9-10 September-December
Keywords ultrasonic cavitation, desizing, combined D-S-B process, increased mass transfer, energy savings

Abstract
In recent years, the researchers’ focus has been on the use of cleaner technologies in textile wet processing, which generate less pollution and reduce the waste water load. This can be achieved by increasing the mass transfer from the application medium to the fiber. Ultrasonic application attracts interest in this pursuit. In the present investigation, ultrasonic waves of 53 KHz frequency were generated using 50 watt input power. Comparative or superior desizing efficiency was obtained at room temperature (25 °C) by using ultrasound with 70 to 75 percent reduction in enzyme concentration within 30 minutes, instead of 180 minutes in the conventional desizing process. Instantaneous water absorbency of the desized fabric indicates removal of natural impurities, which otherwise require long hours of alkaline scouring. Experimental evidences suggest that ultrasonic energy is efficient, it reduces the chemical dosage input, increases the mass transfer and reduces the process time and temperature for achieving comparable or even improved efficiency.
Ultrasound application to a single stage combined desizing-scouring and bleaching [D-S-B] process, using potassium persulfate as hydrogen peroxide booster, resulted in the removal of starch, wax and other natural impurities, while yielding a CIE whiteness value of 74 within 30 minutes at room temperature. The tensile strength and surface morphology of the sonicated fabrics were not affected.
These experimental results substantiate previously published research claiming that ultrasound holds promise in developing cleaner technologies.