Concept:
Natural cotton has a yellowish tint due to natural pigments. Bleaching is the chemical process used to destroy these pigments to achieve a pure white base, which is necessary for white goods or for dyeing pastel shades.
Step 1: Selecting the Bleaching Agent.
While several chemicals can bleach textiles, the industry has shifted toward oxygen-based bleaches because they are more environmentally friendly than chlorine-based ones.
Step 2: The Role of Hydrogen Peroxide.
Hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$) is the most widely used bleaching agent for cotton. Under alkaline conditions (usually provided by sodium hydroxide) and at high temperatures, it releases perhydroxyl ions that chemically break down the natural coloring matter without significantly degrading the cellulose fibers.