Importance of Sequestering Agent in Textile Processing
Sequestering Agents play a crucial role in Textile Processing. They are used in a variety of applications to minimize the interfering effects produced by dissolved metal salts, notably calcium or magnesium salts.
In this post, we shall discuss the importance of sequestering agents in textile processing along with their functions.
So, let's get started…
What does the term "Sequestering Agent" mean?
Sequestering agents, also known as chelating agents, are supplementary chemicals that form complexes with metals that are present in water and have an effect on the processing of textiles. These metals include iron, Calcium and magnesium.
Using these auxiliaries is vital when the pretreatment and dyeing process is carried out on the fabric. It helps to take measures to limit the effect that dissolved metal salts have on the pretreatment and dyeing process.
The creation of complexes, most frequently in the form of chelation, is the mechanism behind the action of sequestering agents. To chelate a metal ion from the bath, a chelating agent must first generate a complex ion
It is necessary to apply these agents to reduce water hardness in terms of calcium and Magnesium as well as heavy metals like iron, both of which can have an impact on the current and subsequent process.
Types of Sequestering Agents
There are four primary categories to choose from when looking for a sequestering agent:
• Aminopolycarboxylates
• Phosphates and phosphonates
• Hydroxycarboxylates
• Polyacrylic acids and derivatives
Importance of Sequestering Agent in Textile Processing
Dyeing is one of the most important processes in the textile business. Metal ions in water can impact operations by reacting with colours or chemicals. Mg2+ or Ca2+ ions in hard water can form insoluble compounds with soaps, which might hinder dyeing.
Iron (Fe2+) and copper (Cu2+) ions can catalyze the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide in bleaching procedures. If these ions are already adsorbed into the substrate, the localized enhanced attack may ensue. Sequestering agents generate soluble complexes with metal ions through chelation.
These agents share an electron pair with polyvalent metal ions to create closed rings. They 'lock up' metal ions to prevent further reactivity.
All in all, chelating agents are used to prevent the film, scum, hard-water precipitation, calcium, and magnesium inhibit foaming, liquid dispersions clogging, hazing liquid turbidity, along with discolouration from rancidity and oxidation.
Major Functions of Sequestering Agents
These Agents are primarily used in the following processes:
• Pretreatment
• Dyeing
1. Pretreatment
Since a very long time ago, the bleaching of textiles has been a common practice. The whiteness of garments made from natural cellulosic fibres is improved through the process of bleaching even in today's world. Sequestering agents are used to chelate the hardness of water without interfering with the process
These agents safeguard the fibre, improve the whiteness index
2. Dyeing
The water, salt, sodium carbonate, sodium chloride, and other chemicals that are utilized in the dyeing process all include trace amounts of impurities. When impurities are present, dyes will result in the formation of sediment.
Adding a high-quality sequestering agent makes the process more vivid, particularly when dying with dyes of brilliant colours; however, this does not have any detrimental influence on rubbing fastness or the level of dyeing. The copper mirror effect might be avoided if sulfur dyes are used for the dying process.
So, if you're looking for a high-quality eco-friendly Sequestering Agent, Cosmo Speciality Chemicals is your best bet! We produce extremely effective textile speciality chemicals explicitly designed for use in the bleaching and scouring of cotton, terry towel, polyester/cellulosic blends, and much more.
We deliver excellent quality textile auxiliary products in India and abroad. You can contact us for more information on our sequestering agents.