Cotton cloth chemical resistance

Mitsubishi Chemical Corp. developed a water-based ink composed of photo-chromic-containing capsules and an aqueous polymer binder.46 The average particle size of the capsules containing photochromic spirooxazine and antioxidant was 20 pm. By using this ink composition, cotton clothes could be screen printed. The printed part showed coloration within 10 s when exposed to sunlight and exhibited good fatigue resistance. Furthermore, it bleached within 15 s in the dark, and this process was observed repeatedly. 

Cured coatings are tested for their chemical resistance by rubbing an acetone soaked soft cotton cloth for 200 double rubs followed by examination of the coating surface for change in the appearance after the test. 

Wear appropriate chemical resistant clothing. Reports indicate that sodium hypochlorite can react with various fabrics usually increasing with concentration. Reactions vary significantly depending on strength of chemical, material, fabric treatment and color of dyes. FRC treated cotton has a stronger response than plain cotton. Poly blend fabrics and meta aramid fabric have a weaker response than natural fibers. Contact the Personal Protective Equipment manufacturer for specific information about their products. 

Lab coats do more than protect clothing. They also protect the wearer against chemical spills and are easily removed if a spill should take place. Cotton fabrics are both the most comfortable and the most resistant to chemical spills. For certain operations, disposable protective clothing may be required. 

Fibre choices for thermal protective clothing include inherently flame resistant (FR) fibres such as the meta- and para-aramids, polyamide-imide, polybenzimidazole, modacrylic and chemically modified fibres such as viscose and modal, polyester, and nylon, as well as FR treated or finished cotton and wooP"" (see also Chapter 8). The... 

Laboratory coats provide a protective layer of clothing between you and the hazard. If you are using flammable, pyrophoric, or other reactive chemicals, you should use fire-resistant lab coats. While lab coats made of 100% cotton or polyester/cotton blends offer some protection against splashes, spills, or contamination, these coats have little or no fire resistance. Laboratory coats made of Nomex , Indura , or Excel are principally made of 100% cotton combined with fire retardant threads and are fire resistant. (Alas, however, they don t come in white.) Washing does not remove their fire resistance. The importance of wearing a fire-resistant lab coat for some laboratory operations is illustrated by Incident 7.3.5.1. 

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