Chemical Treatment
Continuous chemical ranges apply liquid solutions to open-width cloth during textile preparation to remove natural pigments and impurities from flax fibers. In this system, continuous open width bleaching utilizes hydrogen peroxide or sodium chlorite to achieve uniform whiteness without creasing the fabric. The treatment alters the non-cellulose components of the flax, preparing the woven cloth for subsequent dyeing or printing.
Plant operators record the chemical concentrations and temperature profiles to maintain consistent results.
Process Flow
Feed rollers deliver the linen fabric into the treatment range in flat form, passing through wetting troughs and steam chambers. This continuous open width bleaching runs the fabric through sequential wash boxes to remove residual chemicals and neutralize the pH. Maintaining a flat profile is necessary to avoid the permanent creasing that rope-form processing causes in linen.
The speed of the line is balanced with steam duration to ensure complete reaction.
Quality Control
Excessive chemical exposure can degrade the flax fibers and reduce fabric tensile strength. Technicians measure the whiteness index and DP value of the bleached linen to verify that the continuous open width bleaching has not damaged the cellulose structure. Failing to control the pH leads to fiber degradation.