Kinetics of the Reaction of Hydrogen Peroxide in the Process of Wool Bleaching

Abstract

The influence of small quantities of cupreous ions on the velocity of degradation of hydrogen peroxide in wool bleaching baths was determined. pH of the bath was adjusted by ammonia and polyphospate, which served at the same time as stabilizer. Bathes with and without wool, baths ratio 1:15 were studied. It was found, that cupreous quantities greater than 0.5 mg dm-3 the activation energy that much reduce, that degradation of hydrogen peroxide goes to rapidly. This can lead to damages of wool fibres during the process of bleaching. In the bathes with wool, the velocity of degradation of hydrogen peroxide is higher; this is caused by certain quantities of iron in wool, which exerts a catalytic influence on peroxide degradation.