Optimization of a double step bleaching process to achieve super whiteness of botanicals for dry flower industry Visalakshi M.*, Jawaharlal M., Kannan M. Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Horticulture College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641003 *E-mail: visaarun@gmail.com
Online published on 23 October, 2017. Abstract Studies were conducted to optimize the ideal bleaching agents for achieving super whiteness of different plant parts used in dry flower making. Dried pods of Aegle marmelos, Sesamum indicum and sponge of Luffa acutangula were given bleaching treatment in a double step. Different chemicals viz., Sodium chlorite (5%, 10%, 20%, 30%), Hydrogen peroxide (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%) and Hydrochloric acid (5%) were used in 10 different combinations. The time taken for achieving required super whiteness (White Group Standard-NN-155-D) was observed as per RHS colour chart, strength of whiteness, whiteness index were assessed and calculated and the percentage of damage was calculated. Botanicals were scored for quality parameter viz., shape retention and brittleness. The results indicated that the treatment involving 30% Sodium chlorite + 5% HCl + [30% of first dip, 40% Hydrogen per oxide] proved superior with minimum bleaching time of 18h, 12h and 9h with highest values for whiteness index (85.87%, 77.50% and 85.43%) and maximum score for shape retention (4.00, 3.90 and 3.60) and with minimum percentage of damage (6.67%, 1.86% and 16.67%) and brittleness (0.17, 0.17 and 0.27) for pods of Aegle marmelos, Sesamum indicum and sponge of Luffa acutangula, respectively Top Keywords Dry flower industry, botanicals, bleaching agents, super whiteness, RHS colour chart. Top |