Some theoretical and practical aspects of polyester whitening from the wash bath

Abstract

Uptake of fluorescent whitening agents from aqueous and organic systems by polyester fibers and films under various conditions was investigated. Different factors influencing the correlation between uptake of the fluorescent whitening agents and their performance in laundry liquors are discussed on the basis of the presented data. The results indicate that fluorescent whitening agents normally used for whitening other synthetic fibers can also have valuable additional effects on polyester. Furthermore the results are discussed in terms of the possible mechanisms of whitening.