A MORPHOLOGICAL-STUDY OF COTTON FABRIC DAMAGE BY ELECTRO-GENERATED OXYGEN

Hole formation in cotton fabrics similar to that observed during the p eroxide bleaching process and known as ''catalytic damage'' may be pro duced by exposing the fabric to an electrochemical process involving g eneration of oxygen at platinum anodes. A morphological study of an el ectrochemically damaged poplin fabric is described. Several morphologi cal fiber changes are identified, including crack formation consistent with granular and spiral splittings. A qualitative model is proposed high-lighting a possible sequence of morphological changes that occur during oxidation and culminate in fiber rupture.