Two-Step Bleaching of Jute Yarn and Fabric Using Hydrogen Peroxide and Peracetic Acid

Bleaching of jute has become essential for making white glossy fabric or base material for coloration intended for value added and diversified products. The conventional hot hydrogen peroxide bleaching process produces white fiber with high loss of tensile strength and impairing the feel. On the other hand newly developed peracetic acid bleaching of jute produces minimum loss of tenacity without impairing the feel but whiteness achieved is slightly low. Partial bleaching of jute was carried out using 25%, 50%, and 75% of the normal dose of bleaching agents and their whiteness index as well as tensile strength were evaluated. In all the cases hydrogen peroxide produced 5–8 grade higher whiteness in HUNTER scale while peracetic acid bleached sample retains higher tensile strength. So, two-step bleaching was carried out using hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid following single-bath and double-bath processes. Two-step single-bath bleaching of jute fabric using 75% peracetic acid followed by 25% hydrogen peroxide bleaching treatment results in best effect with respect to optical and physical properties.