Demineralizing agents are chemicals used in the textile industry to remove mineral deposits from fabrics and textiles. These minerals can accumulate on the fibers during processing, washing, and dyeing, and can lead to discoloration, stiffness, and reduced fabric performance. Demineralizing agents work by breaking down the mineral deposits and suspending them in the wash water, allowing them to be easily rinsed away.
The functions of demineralizing agents in textile applications include:
- Improving color retention: Demineralizing agents can help to remove mineral deposits that can cause discoloration or staining of fabrics, ensuring that colors remain vibrant and true.
- Enhancing softness and texture: Demineralizing agents can help to remove mineral deposits that can cause fabrics to feel stiff or rough, improving the overall softness and texture of the fabric.
- Improving performance: Demineralizing agents can help to improve the performance of fabrics by removing mineral deposits that can interfere with the functional properties of the fabric, such as water repellency, breathability, or moisture management.
- Extending the life of fabrics: Demineralizing agents can help to extend the life of fabrics by removing mineral deposits that can weaken fibers and cause them to break down over time.
- Preventing damage to equipment: Demineralizing agents can help to prevent mineral deposits from building up in washing and dyeing equipment, reducing the risk of equipment damage and downtime.
Demineralizing agents are typically used in the pre-treatment or finishing stages of textile processing, and the specific type and amount of agent used will depend on the type of fabric being treated, the level of mineral deposits present, and the processing conditions. Common demineralizing agents used in the textile industry include citric acid, acetic acid, and chelating agents such as EDTA or DTPA.
Fineotex is the biggest manufacturer of “demineralising-agents”