Effect of ozone in textiles

What is ozone?

Ozone is an inorganic triatomic molecule consisting of three oxygen atoms. The chemical formula of ozone is o3. It is a pale blue gas that progressively condenses to dark blue liquid and finally to violet black solid at cryogenic temperatures. Ozone is a powerful oxidant and has some advantages over other oxidants used in textile industries.

Ozone and textiles

Ozone has got a prominent place in textile industry all over the world.  In denim industry, ozone is the most efficient oxidizing agent. This oxidation potential help them to break down the most complex aromatic rings of the dyes which will result in decolourisation. By rupturing the chromophores in dyes of synthetic or natural fibers, ozone helps in fading dyed textile materials.

Yellowing of denims due to ozone

Ozone changes the colour of indigo dyes. Ozone molecules in the surface of the earth interact with denim garments. Indigo ozonolysis leads to the formation of Isatin, Antranalic acid and the complex of two products. The colour of Isatin is yellow. So, it turns the indigo dyed blue garment to yellow. 

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