The textile industry plays a major role in daily life. Clothes, home fabrics, and industrial textiles depend on chemical processes. Textile factories use chemicals to clean fibers, add color, improve strength, and increase comfort. Countries like Bangladesh rely heavily on textile production for economic growth.
Clear knowledge of textile chemicals helps workers, buyers, and business owners. Simple understanding also supports safety and quality control.
1. Sodium Hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide is also known as caustic soda. Textile factories use this chemical during cotton processing. This process is called mercerization. Cotton fibers become stronger and smoother after treatment.
Dye absorption improves with sodium hydroxide. Fabric gains better shine and durability. Careful handling matters due to strong alkaline nature.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide helps in fabric bleaching. Cotton and synthetic fabrics use this chemical for whitening. Textile units prefer hydrogen peroxide due to lower environmental impact compared to chlorine bleach.
Fabric becomes clean and ready for dyeing. Proper concentration protects fiber strength.
3. Sodium Carbonate
Sodium carbonate is also called soda ash. Textile dyeing units use this chemical to fix reactive dyes. Color bonds strongly with fabric fibers.
This chemical supports bright and long-lasting colors. Many garment factories in Dhaka and Gazipur rely on soda ash for dye processes.
4. Acetic Acid
Acetic acid controls pH levels during dyeing and finishing. This chemical neutralizes alkaline residues on fabric. Smooth texture and color balance depend on correct pH.
Textile finishing plants use acetic acid for fabric softening treatments. This chemical also reduces fabric damage.
5. Reactive Dyes
Reactive dyes provide strong and bright colors. Cotton, viscose, and linen fabrics use these dyes widely. Reactive dyes form chemical bonds with fibers.
Color durability remains high even after many washes. Bangladesh textile exporters prefer reactive dyes for global quality standards.
6. Disperse Dyes
Disperse dyes work well with polyester and synthetic fabrics. Heat helps dye penetration into fiber structure. Sportswear and fashion garments often use disperse dyes.
Polyester production in industrial zones depends heavily on these dyes. Color consistency remains stable.
7. Formaldehyde-Based Resins
Formaldehyde resins help prevent wrinkles in fabrics. Shirts, trousers, and uniforms use wrinkle-resistant treatments. Fabric retains shape after washing.
Controlled use reduces health risk. Many factories now follow strict safety guidelines to limit formaldehyde levels.
8. Enzymes
Enzymes support eco-friendly textile processing. Amylase removes starch from fabric. Cellulase improves fabric softness and appearance.
Denim washing uses enzymes for stone-wash effects. Enzyme use reduces water and energy consumption.
9. Surfactants
Surfactants help clean fibers before dyeing. Oils, dirt, and waxes leave fabric surface with surfactant action. Wetting agents and detergents belong to this group.
Even dye distribution depends on proper surfactant use. Textile wet processing units rely on these chemicals daily.
10. Silicone Softeners
Silicone softeners improve fabric feel. Clothes become smooth and comfortable. Towels and knit garments often receive silicone treatment.
Fabric flexibility increases after application. Textile finishing units use this chemical to enhance customer satisfaction.
Role of Chemicals in Textile Industry
Chemicals support fabric quality and performance. Dye strength, softness, durability, and appearance depend on chemical processes. Textile export markets demand consistent quality.
Bangladesh ranks among the largest garment exporters worldwide. Safe chemical management supports global compliance and worker safety.
Factories follow international standards such as OEKO-TEX and REACH. Responsible chemical use protects environment and health.
Chemical Safety in Textile Processing
Safety training reduces workplace risk. Proper storage prevents chemical reactions. Protective equipment supports worker health.
Wastewater treatment plants remove harmful residues. Environmental protection depends on correct disposal methods.
Government regulations guide textile chemical use. Compliance ensures sustainable growth.
FAQs
What chemicals do textile factories use in Bangladesh?
Textile factories in Bangladesh commonly use sodium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide, dyes, enzymes, and softeners for fabric processing and finishing.
Are textile chemicals safe for workers?
Proper training and protective equipment make textile chemicals safe. Factories in Dhaka and Chittagong follow safety guidelines to reduce risk.
Which chemicals help in fabric dyeing?
Reactive dyes, disperse dyes, soda ash, and acetic acid play key roles in textile dyeing processes.
Do textile chemicals harm the environment?
Environmental impact reduces with wastewater treatment and controlled chemical use. Many Bangladesh factories use eco-friendly alternatives.
Why does the garment industry depend on chemicals?
Fabric quality, color strength, softness, and durability depend on chemical processing. Chemicals support global export standards.