Photocatalytic desizing of pva-sized cotton fabric

Abstract

Sizing is necessary for the weaving preparatory process involving coating warp yarns with a sizing agent like PVA. The sizing agent improves the weavability during the manufacturing of the cotton fabric. Before dyeing and printing the fabric, removal of the natural or added impurities is essential. Desizing is the initial step in the pretreatment of the cotton fabric, where the sizing chemicals are removed. However, desizing is a water and energy-intensive process. A green methodology is employed here for desizing PVA-sized cotton fabric using UVC in the presence of potassium persulfate as a photocatalyst to replace the hazardous chemicals used in the conventional approach. The eco-friendly technology used in this article saves time, water, and energy by 79%, 67%, and 84% of the conventional process with better efficacy of desizing.