Abstract

By 2021, global denim market is anticipated to grow over 900 million pieces. 70% denim wears have localized decolouration effect of spray look, produced conventionally by Potassium permanganate. But Potassium permanganate is toxic when high concentration of manganese gets released through the effluent into an ecosystem and has potential environmental risks. To create diversity in denim fabrics it is necessary to apply special techniques and new substances. In this study, denim was treated with ceric sulfate to obtain the desired effect. Design of Experiments (DoE) had been used to optimize the concentration of ceric sulfate. Colour strength measurement in terms of K/S of sprayed denim with Potassium permanganate and ceric sulfate were compared. Physical and mechanical properties of such treated fabrics were investigated along with colour fading, like bending length, crease recovery angle, tear and tensile strength measurements. The results show that ceric sulfate could be a suitable alternative to Potassium permanganate with comparable decolouration effect.

Keywords: Denim; Decolouration; Potassium permanganate; Ceric sulfate; Design of Experiments.