Phenolic yellowing is a condition caused by the action of nitrogen oxides on yellowable phenols and roughly refers to the discoloration of textiles. Colored threads, fabrics, or clothing may turn a yellow color during transport or storage. The phenolic yellowing test is a simple and predictive test method applied to evaluate the potential of white or pastel colors.
The phenolic yellowing test method was originally designed to investigate complaints from tank yellowing. It is widely used today. Especially large retail companies recommend this test. However, this test does not deal with many other causes of discoloration such as:
Phenolic yellowing tests are an effective tool for qualitatively assessing the quality of white and pastel colored products and have significantly reduced the incidence of yellowing complaints.
Generally, yellowing occurs when fabrics or clothing are stored under certain conditions. The main conditions are: alkaline finishes, the presence of moisture, nitrogen dioxide in the air, and storage in polyethylene bags or films containing butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) or similar compounds.
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a phenolic antioxidant and its effects are observed on white and light colored textiles. It has also been approved for use as a food additive and preservative by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, this compound easily moves and switches to nearby items.
The risk of phenolic yellowing is assessed with a contact test. This test method is based on a test paper mechanically impregnated with a methanol solution containing a phenolic compound.
The most commonly used test method for phenolic yellowing is the ISO 105-X18 standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) (Textiles - Color fastness tests - Part X18: Assessment of the potential for phenolic yellowing of materials). This standard defines a test method for assessing the phenolic yellowing potential of textile materials. This method is specific to phenolic yellowing and does not include many other possible causes of yellow discoloration in textile materials.
Our organization also provides phenolic yellowing testing services with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment, among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors.
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