Textile Dyeing Dyebath Using Borohydride-Bisulfite Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for dyeing textiles with reducible dyes using sodium bisulfite and sodium borohydride require harsh conditions of high pH and temperature, which are unsafe and detrimental to the textiles, and commercially, hydrosulfite is used under similar conditions, posing safety and efficiency concerns.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a dyebath composed of water, sodium bisulfite, sodium borohydride, and reducible dyes, with a pH range of 9 to 11, where dithionite ions are produced, allowing for efficient dye reduction at milder conditions, using sodium bisulfite and sodium borohydride in specific ratios, and optionally including additional hydroxide, to create a safer and more efficient dyeing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high pH and high temperature conditions are used for dyeing textiles with reducible dyes, then dye reduction efficiency is improved, but safety and textile quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedye reduction efficiencyVSAvoidsafety and textile quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical parameters of the dyebath by using a mixed reducing agent system (hydrosulfite and borohydride) that enables effective dye reduction at lower pH (9-11) and lower temperature (below 80°C) compared to conventional high pH-high temperature processes, thereby improving safety and textile quality while maintaining dye reduction efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs a composite reducing agent system combining hydrosulfite and borohydride compounds in specific ratios (1:4 to 4:1 weight ratios). This composite approach leverages the complementary properties of both reducing agents to achieve effective dye reduction under milder conditions than either agent could achieve alone

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If hydrosulfite is used for dye reduction under high pH conditions, then dyeing process is simplified, but chemical usage and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedyeing process simplicityVSAvoidchemical usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention optimizes the pH parameter range (9-11) and temperature parameters to enable effective dye reduction with reduced chemical consumption. The mixed reducing agent system achieves better utilization efficiency, reducing the total amount of chemical agents required compared to conventional single-agent high pH processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

By combining hydrosulfite and borohydride in a composite reducing agent system, the invention achieves synergistic effects that improve dye reduction efficiency per unit of chemical used, thereby reducing overall chemical consumption while maintaining process simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method achieves efficient dye reduction at milder conditions, ensuring safer textile processing and maintaining colorfastness and washfastness of the dye, with results comparable to hydrosulfite-based dyeing but with reduced chemical usage and improved safety.

Implementation Method 1

reduction of the dyes with sodium bisulfite and sodium borohydride

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reduction: Reduction

Data Source

PatentUS7201780B2Method for dyeing textiles
Publication Date: 2007.04.10 ROHM & HAAS CO

AI summary

A method for dyeing textiles with reducible dyes in the presence of borohydride and bisulfite.