The textile industry is one of the biggest industries worldwide, and a lot of processes are involved in the manufacturing of textiles. A chemical reaction is one of them. Chemical compounds play a vital role in making sure the manufacturing process of the industry works as it should. High-quality chemicals are needed to ensure the quality of the fabric or textile produced. A thorough consideration of trusted chemical suppliers in India is needed to ensure industry standards. In this article, we’re going to discuss the role of chemicals and the list of the most used chemicals in the industry.
10 Major Chemicals for Textile Industry
1. Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4)
Sulfuric acid is listed as the number one produced chemical worldwide. Sulfuric acid finds extensive application in the production of fertilizers, detergents, lead-acid automobile batteries, and other chemical products such as hydrochloric acid, dyes, explosives, pigments, and drugs.
In the chemicals industry, sulfuric acid plays some roles:
- Catalyst in the Dyeing Process: Sulfuric acid helps to lower the pH level of the dye bath. Acid environments resulted in better dye absorption into the fabrics, making the color more long-lasting.
- Remove Impurities: Sulfuric acid helps to remove natural impurities, such as waxes, pectins, and oils, from the fabric. Sulfuric acid removes these impurities by breaking them down and ensuring better dye penetration.
2. Nitrogen (N2)
Nitrogen emerges as a crucial component in a variety of industries. From steel production to cryosurgery in healthcare, nitrogen’s inert properties and cooling capabilities are indispensable. Following are some nitrogen uses of its cooling property in various industries:
- Freeze substances such as tires, for example. Nitrogen is used to freeze used tires to ease the recycling process.
- Cool concrete enhances the quality and strength of the concrete.
- In the healthcare industry, nitrogen is used to freeze blood and tissue to destroy them. One example is the procedure to freeze warts.
Meanwhile, in the Textile Industry, Nitrogen is used for:
- Blanketing and Inerting: Nitrogen helps to create an inert atmosphere that could prevent oxidation and minimize the risk of fire. In the dyeing process of the textile industry, flammable chemicals are usually used, and nitrogen-blanketing properties could help prevent fire and ensure worker safety.
- Fiber spinning: in synthetic fiber production, like nylon, polyester, etc. Nitrogen is used in the fiber spinning process. Nitrogen is used as a cooling agent when polymer pellets are melted and extracted into spinnerets. This cooling process ensures the quality, strength, and uniformity of the fabric
3. Ethylene (C2H4)
Ethylene plays a vital role in various industries, especially the plastic industry. Below are some of the known uses of ethylene:
- Ethylene is employed in the production of ethylene glycol, which serves as an antifreeze; styrene for manufacturing polystyrene used in packaging and insulation; and polyethylene, a highly utilized plastic. Notably, approximately half of ethylene output is dedicated to polyethylene production.
- Ethylene is utilized to manufacture ethanol for industrial purposes. It’s worth noting that ethanol intended for human consumption must be generated through fermentation, as mandated by law.
- Polyester, such as the material used in 1970s leisure suits, is synthesized with the assistance of ethylene.
- Synthetic rubber is produced using ethylene in the manufacturing process.
In the Textile industry, Ethylene (C2H4) plays several important roles:
- Creating Polyester: Ethylene is a key ingredient in making polyester fibers, which are widely used in textiles for their toughness, resistance to wrinkles, and ability to blend with other fabrics.
- Producing PET Fibers: Ethylene is also used to make polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers, which are strong and commonly found in clothing, upholstery, and carpets.
- Enhancing Dyes and Finishing: Ethylene derivatives are sometimes added to dyes and finishes to help achieve desired colors, improve fabric qualities like softness or water resistance, or ensure dyes stick well to the fabric.
- Textile Chemicals: Certain chemicals used in textile production are derived from ethylene. These chemicals serve various purposes, like sizing fabrics, providing lubrication, or reducing static, all of which contribute to the manufacturing process and final product quality.
4. Oxygen (O2)
Oxygen’s main role is in the combustion process. Below are some uses of oxygen in industry.
- Combustion Processes: Oxygen plays a crucial role in various combustion processes. For instance, it’s utilized in commercially produced oxyacetylene and oxyhydrogen welding torches.
- Steel Industry: Oxygen is employed in the steelmaking industry to aid in the combustion of impurities present in molten ore. Remarkably, roughly one ton of oxygen is needed per ton of steel produced.
- Missiles and Rockets: Liquid oxygen (LOX) serves as an oxidizing agent in missiles and rockets. For instance, the oxygen tank used for launching the space shuttle contains approximately 550,000 liters of liquid oxygen.
Meanwhile, in the Textile industry, oxygen serves several functions, including:
- Bleaching: Oxygen-based bleaching agents, such as hydrogen peroxide, are commonly used in textile processing to remove natural coloration or stains from fibers and fabrics. This bleaching process helps achieve a uniform and desired color or brightness in the final textile product.
- Pre-Treatment: Oxygen-based pre-treatment processes are often employed to prepare textiles for dyeing or printing. These processes involve the use of oxygen-based chemicals to clean and condition the fibers, ensuring better dye penetration and color fastness.
- Water Treatment: Oxygen may be used in water treatment processes within textile manufacturing facilities. Oxygenation of wastewater helps promote the breakdown of organic pollutants and improves the overall efficiency of wastewater treatment systems, reducing environmental impact.
- Fabric Finishing: Oxygen may also be used in certain fabric finishing processes, such as curing or drying treatments. These processes often require controlled atmospheric conditions with adequate oxygen levels to achieve desired fabric properties such as softness, strength, or water repellency.
5. Propylene (C3H6)
Propylene is mainly used as an intermediate in the manufacturing process of other chemicals. Below are some uses of propylene in industry:
- Propylene is needed in the production of propylene glycols for automotive brake fluid, detergent, and paint.
- This material is also used to produce various types of ABS plastics that are used in automotive trim parts.
Meanwhile, in the textile industry, propylene is usually used as below:
- Propylene is needed to produce polyethylene, a compound needed to produce synthetic fiber for carpet production.
6. Chlorine (Cl2)
Chlorine has many uses, as below:
- Making Industrial Products: Chlorine is behind a lot of things we use every day, like plastics, medicines, colorful dyes, and cleaning products, including bleach. It’s even in insecticides that help keep pests away and textiles that make our clothes.
- Cleaning Up Water: Chlorine plays a big role in making sure our water is safe to drink. It’s used in water treatment plants to kill harmful germs and make sure our tap water is clean. It’s also what keeps bacteria in check in swimming pools.
In the textile industry, chlorine is used as below:
- Bleaching: Chlorine is a powerful oxidizing agent and is commonly used in the bleaching of textiles. It effectively removes color from fabrics by breaking down chromophores, which are responsible for giving dyes their color. Textiles often undergo bleaching processes to achieve a uniform white color or to prepare them for dyeing in lighter shades.
- Disinfection: Chlorine is also employed for disinfecting textiles, particularly in the case of medical textiles such as hospital linens and garments. Chlorine effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms, helping to ensure the cleanliness and hygiene of these textiles. This is particularly important in healthcare settings where infection control is critical.
- Water Treatment: In textile manufacturing processes, water is often used for various purposes, such as washing, dyeing, and finishing. Chlorine is sometimes added to the water used in these processes to control microbial growth and maintain water hygiene. This helps in preventing the growth of algae, bacteria, and other microorganisms that can degrade the quality of textiles or cause contamination issues.
- Chemical Reactions: Chlorine can also be involved in chemical reactions within the textile industry. For instance, it may be used in the production of certain chemicals or as a precursor in the synthesis of specific textile-related compounds.
7. Ethylene Dichloride (C2H2Cl2)
Ethylene dichloride is primarily utilized in the manufacturing of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a key material in the construction sector, commonly seen in white plastic pipes for water distribution systems.
Additionally, in the textile industry ethylene dichloride finds application in producing polystyrene, another valuable synthetic polymer.
8. Phosphoric Acid (H3PO4)
Most of the Phosphoric Acid that is produced is used as the material of synthetic phosphate fertilizers. But Phosphoric Acid is also used in other industry for :
- Food Additives: Ever wondered what gives colas their tangy taste? Phosphoric acid is the secret ingredient! It’s used in colas to balance their acidity, making them taste just right. It’s also used in other foods to adjust their pH, make them clear, and keep them fresh for longer.
- Removing Rust: Got a rusty metal surface you want to clean up? Phosphoric acid can help with that too! It works by transforming the rust into a substance that’s easier to scrub away. You can find it in a handy gel form called naval jelly, perfect for getting rid of rust on metal surfaces.
Meanwhile, textile industry, Phosphoric Acid is used in:
- Textile Printing: Phosphoric acid is a part of the adhesives used in the textile printing industry. It is an aid to the dyes and pigments bonding to the fabric so that the colors are bright and long-lasting.
- Textile Finishing: Phosphoric acid is used in the finishing of textile materials to achieve the desired surface properties. It can improve the fabric’s wettability, making it easier to dye or finish, and can also give particular advantages such as flame retardancy or water repellence.
- Textile Cleaning: Phosphoric acid is applied in detergents. It can be used to clean mineral deposits, stains, or residues from fabrics or equipment used in textile-making processes.
- pH Adjustment: Phosphoric acid is used to lower the pH in different steps of textile processing. The pH control of solutions is crucial in the textile industry, where, for instance, dyeing and printing operations are performed to reach the perfect condition for the desired chemical reactions to take place.
9. Ammonia (NH3)
Most of the ammonia produced is used in the agriculture sector, below are the uses of ammonia :
- Ammonia is used as the material of liquid fertilizers such as ammonium nitrate and urea.
- Ammonia is also used as an antifungal agent for certain foods
Several other products also used ammonia as their material such as :
Cosmetics
- Vitamins
- Nitric Acid
- Household cleaners, etc
Ammonia is also used in the textile industry as :
- Textile Printing and Dyeing: Ammonia is often used as a pH regulator in textile printing and dyeing processes. It helps to control the acidity or alkalinity of dye baths, ensuring optimal conditions for dye fixation and color development on fabrics.
- Textile Cleaning: Ammonia is an effective cleaning agent and is sometimes used in textile cleaning processes. It can help to remove stains, oils, and other contaminants from fabrics, particularly in industrial laundry operations.
- Textile Finishing: Ammonia is used in some textile finishing processes to impart specific properties to fabrics. For example, ammonia can be used in treatments to improve the softness or hand feel of textiles.
- Textile Fiber Treatment: Ammonia can be used in treatments for certain types of textile fibers to modify their properties. For example, it may be used in processes to increase the absorbency or dyeability of fibers such as cotton.
- Textile Maintenance: In textile manufacturing facilities, ammonia can be used for general maintenance purposes, such as cleaning equipment or removing residues from machinery.
10. Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)
When a potent alkaline substance is needed in various industries, sodium hydroxide steps in. Its versatile applications include:
- Petroleum Industry: Sodium hydroxide is employed to raise the pH level of drilling mud in the petroleum sector, enhancing its thickness.
- Crude Oil Refining: In some regions, it aids in eliminating sulfur impurities from lower-grade crude oil.
- Paper Production: The papermaking industry utilizes sodium hydroxide during the digestion and whitening of wood fibers.
- Waste Disposal: Sodium hydroxide is utilized in decomposing roadkill and, as seen in crime shows like CSI, in the disposal of human remains.
- Soap Manufacturing: It plays a crucial role in soap production.
- Biodiesel Production: Sodium hydroxide is involved in the production of biodiesel.
- Industrial Cleaning: Particularly in equipment degreasing, sodium hydroxide acts as a potent industrial cleaning agent. In households, it serves as an oven and drain cleaner.
- Food Processing: Sodium hydroxide is employed in the production of hominy, Chinese noodles, and German pretzels within the food industry.
Sodium Hydroxide uses in the Textile Industry:
- Scouring and Bleaching: Sodium hydroxide is used in the scouring process, where it helps remove impurities such as oils, waxes, and natural gums from fibers and fabrics. It also aids in bleaching textiles by breaking down natural pigments and removing stubborn stains.
- Mercerization: Mercerization is a treatment used to improve the luster, strength, and dye affinity of cotton fibers. Sodium hydroxide is applied in this process to swell the fibers, making them more receptive to dyes and enhancing their overall quality.
- Neutralization: In textile processing, acids are often used for various purposes such as dyeing and finishing. Sodium hydroxide is used to neutralize these acids, ensuring the pH balance of the textile materials and preventing undesirable effects on the fabric.
As we unravel the top 10 chemicals used in the textile industry, it becomes evident that chemistry serves as the backbone of fabric production. From enhancing fabric durability to ensuring color vibrancy, these chemical compounds pave the way for textile innovation and quality assurance. Partnering with a trusted chemical supplier company once again is a very important step that needs to be taken to ensure your textile industry.
