Ozone Treatment in Fabric Dye Decolorization
Summary
Ozone treatment has emerged as a promising eco-friendly method for stripping colour from dyed textiles by harnessing the oxidising power of ozone to cleave the chromophore groups that impart dye molecules with their vivid hues. When dissolved in water or applied as a gas, ozone generates reactive oxygen species that attack conjugated double bonds in azo, diazo and phthalocyanine chromophores, leading to decolouration without the need for harsh reductive chemicals. This approach offers substantial reductions in water consumption and effluent toxicity compared with conventional alkali–sodium hydrosulphite processes, while maintaining the mechanical integrity of cotton, denim and other fibre substrates. Process optimisation typically centres on variables such as pH, ozone concentration, contact time and water content. Pilot-scale trials have demonstrated the feasibility of continuous ozone systems in industrial environments, with potential for effluent recycling and integration into zero-liquid-discharge facilities. Life cycle assessments further underscore the global significance of ozone decolourization in aligning textile manufacturing with sustainability targets by curbing chemical loads and energy usage.
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Ozone Treatment in Fabric Dye Decolorization publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in ozone treatment in fabric dye decolorization across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Ozonation: The application of ozone gas or aqueous ozone to oxidise and break down dye molecules in textiles.
Chromophore: A structural element within a dye molecule responsible for its colour, targeted by oxidative attack.
Decolorization: The chemical or physical removal of colour from dyed materials to restore a neutral or lighter appearance.
Reactive Dye: A type of dye that forms covalent bonds with fibre hydroxyl or amino groups, especially in cellulosic textiles.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): A methodological framework for evaluating the environmental impacts of a process from raw-material extraction through to end-of-life.
References
- A Sustainable Approach to Dyed Cotton Fabric Stripping Using Ozone. Sustainability (2023).
- Application of Ozone Treatment for the Decolorization of the Reactive-Dyed Fabrics in a Pilot-Scale Process—Optimization through Response Surface Methodology. Sustainability (2020).
- Eco-Friendly Ozone Process for Denim Garments as an Alternative to Conventional Bleaching. Fibers and Polymers (2024).
- Environmental Profile Study of Ozone Decolorization of Reactive Dyed Cotton Textiles by Utilizing Life Cycle Assessment. Sustainability (2021).
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