"Japanese researchers tested different methods of removing stains caused by orange juice, tomato juice and sweat-like substances on multiple fabrics, including silk. They discovered the most effective was high-intensity blue LED light - which removed stains substantially more than bleach or UV exposure. 'Our method utilises visible blue light in combination with ambient oxygen, which acts as the oxidising agent to drive the photobleaching process,' author Tomohiro Sugahara said. 'This approach avoids the use of hard chemical oxidants typically required in conventional bleaching methods, making it inherently more sustainable.'"
"For their experiment, the researchers applied squalene onto cotton fabric swatches and heated them to simulate the passing of time. They then treated the samples for 10 minutes, either by soaking them in a hydrogen peroxide (bleach) solution or exposing them to UV light or blue LED light. Analysis revealed the blue light reduced the yellow stain substantially more than the hydrogen peroxide or UV exposure. In fact, UV exposure generated some new yellow-coloured compounds."
"Additional tests showed that the blue LED treatment lightened squalene stains on silk and polyester without damaging the fabrics. The method also reduced the colour of other stain-causing substances, including aged oleic acid, orange juice and tomato juice, on cotton swatches. The scientists said they want to commercialise a light system for home and industrial use - but need to do additional safety testing first."
High-intensity blue LED light combined with ambient oxygen drives a photobleaching process that removes yellow stains without using strong chemical oxidants. Yellow stains originate from skin oils such as squalene and oleic acid. Experiments applied squalene to cotton swatches and accelerated aging, then compared 10-minute treatments using hydrogen peroxide, UV light, or blue LED light. Blue LED treatment reduced yellowing substantially more than hydrogen peroxide or UV; UV produced some new yellow-coloured compounds. Blue LED light also lightened stains on silk and polyester without fabric damage and reduced stains from aged oleic acid, orange juice, and tomato juice. Commercial light systems are being considered pending additional safety testing.
Read at Mail Online
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