WATER HARDNESS - HOW DOES IT AFFECT TEXTILE PROCESSING?

Process

Problem

Desizing

Scouring 

Bleaching

Mercerizing 

Dyeing 

Finishing

Deactivate enzymes and makes it in-soluble some size materials  like starch and PVA.

Combine with soap, precipitate metal-organic acids. Produce yellowing of off-white shades, reduce cleaning efficiency and water absorption.

Decompose bleach baths.

Form insoluble metal oxides, reduce absorbency and luster Combine with dyes changing their shades, in-soubise dyes, cause tippy dyeing, reduce dye diffusion and hence results in poor washing and rubbing fastness.

Dusting and white patches appear if the hardness is very high.

Form insoluble metal oxides, reduce absorbency and luster Combine with dyes changing their shades, make them in-soluble, cause tippy dyeing, reduce dye diffusion and hence results in poor washing and rubbing fastness.