Application of Catalyst in Textile Wet Processes

A systematical review of catalyst was provided in the paper involving the definition, the sort, effect mechanism and the influence factors which followed that the application of catalyst in the textile industry in terms of dyeing, finishing and effluents treatment. Catalyst is defined as a substance that could change the rate of chemical reaction, while it is not consumed in the overall reaction. The changing of the reaction rate by means of catalyst is known as catalysis. Catalyst could assist in either acceleration or deceleration of the reaction rate. In textile processing, especially in textile wet processing such as dyeing and finishing, for example, easy care and durable press finishes, antimicrobial finishes, ultraviolet protection finishes, flame retardant finishes and water repellent finishes, various types of catalysts will be involved for achieving desired effect. However, there is a less discussion and review on the relationship on the effect of catalyst on the final properties of the textile materials. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the application of catalyst on the textile wet processing and nano-catalyst was also evaluated in the extending to the opportunities and development of textile industry.