Markcas Group

Bleaching chemicals are substances specifically formulated to remove or lighten color, whiten materials, and eliminate stains and impurities through oxidation or reduction reactions. Their most common and traditional application is in the pulp and paper industry, where chemicals like chlorine dioxide and hydrogen peroxide are used on a massive scale to break down the natural colored compounds (lignin) in wood pulp to create bright white paper. In textile manufacturing, similar agents, including sodium hypochlorite (household bleach) and sodium hydrosulfite, are used to bleach natural fibers like cotton and linen before dyeing to ensure even, vibrant colors. These industrial processes rely on precise chemical control to achieve the desired whiteness without degrading the material's strength.

Beyond industry, bleaching chemicals are fundamental in household cleaning, water treatment, and sanitation. A diluted solution of sodium hypochlorite is the active ingredient in common liquid household bleach, used to disinfect surfaces, whiten laundry, and remove mildew. In water treatment plants, chlorine-based compounds are applied to disinfect drinking water and swimming pools by destroying harmful bacteria and viruses. The use of these chemicals requires careful handling, as they can be corrosive and produce harmful fumes if mixed with other cleaners, like ammonia or acids. Ongoing development focuses on more environmentally friendly alternatives, such as enhanced peroxide-based bleaches, which are effective while reducing the formation of harmful by-products.