Purpose and Scope

This test method determines the total alkali content of a bleach bath containing hydrogen peroxide and alkali from any source. The total alkali content is expressed as % sodium hydroxide.

Alkali in bleach baths may be supplied by sodium hydroxide, sodium silicate, sodium carbonate or by various other alkaline materials, including potassium compounds, ammonia, lime or by peroxygen solids which contain alkaline salts.

The alkali content of a bleach bath is a critical parameter in determining the rate and extent of bleaching and may also determine the extent to which the textile being bleached is affected by the bleaching process.

This test method is used for laboratory determinations and for process control.