Magnetic Activation of Water in Alkali Treatment of Polyester Fibre Materials

The effect of magnetic activation of the water used for preparation of process solutions and the rate of alkaline hydrolysis of poly(ethylene terephthalate) was determined. It was found that the degree of the effect and current strength in the electromagnet coil at which the maximum magnetic field effect is attained are a function of the initial activity of the alkaline bath. Magnetic activation of water has the greatest effect in the case of alkaline treatment of polyester fabrics in the presence of Katamine AB and the smallest effect in alkaline treatment in a bath containing sodium hydroxide alone.