In-situ peracetic acid bleaching of jute

Bleaching of jute with peracetic acid formed in-situ in bleach bath has been studied. It is observed that in an unbuffered system, the bleach bath pH drops from its initial set value. This drop in pH is found to be maximum for initial bath pH of 7. This suggests that a buffer medium is required for the bleaching of jute with peracetic formed in-situ by the reaction of acetic anhydride and hydrogen peroxide. Excellent bleaching of jute with relatively higher loss in strength is possible by peracetic acid bleaching followed by bleaching with unreacted hydrogen peroxide of in-situ peracetic acid bleach bath. A low temperature (30°C) peracetic acid bleaching using 68 m moles / L acetic acid and 74 m moles/L hydrogen peroxide (30%) shows quite high degree of whiteness in jute with lesser damage.