Stabilisers for peroxide bleaching

The process of regulation or control of perhydroxyl ion to prevent rapid decomposition of bleach and to minimise fibre degradation is described as stabilisation. Stabilisers for peroxide normally function by controlling the formation of free radicals. These are complex blends of a selection of materials serving a number of functions. They could include any of the following  

The selection of alkali to be used in peroxide bleaching is dependent on the fibres or blends being bleached. Sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate are generally used on cellulosic fibres whilst ammonia and various phosphates are used when bleaching protein fibres. Of the various phosphates only tetrasodium pyrophosphate, Na P,0 and hexametaphosphates are of interest as stabilisers in alkaline bleach bath. 

Sequestering agents for heavy metals should theoretically make the best stabilisers. In effect, stabilisation may be effected by elimination of heavy metal ions that are responsible for free radical formation. This appears to be an anticatalytic reaction. Many types of sequestering agents are used in textile processing. The main types are  

Organic stabilisers are often commercially blended products which may or may 

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