| TECHNOLOGY |
The use of electrodes to supplant chemical reducing agents is being developed in a research Austrian/German partnership. Technology is described as going from chemistry to physics in the dyeing process.
The classic vat, indigo, & S dyes must be used with a reducing agent to fix to fibers. A reducing agent - a chemical auxiliary - reduces the dyestuff, then is eliminated in wastewater. This basic technology was developed at a time when environmental requirements were not as stringent, & wastewater could be cheaply & easily discarded.
The technology ~B~ is developing, & on which it has PATENTS, substitutes an electrode as an electron source for the chemical reducing agent. Moreover, ~B~ has developed a recyclable mediator to transfer electrons from cathode to dyestuff, for redn. of indigo & vat dyes. The process thereby reduces chemical costs & wastewater treatment while increasing quality. The technology has been proven in industry trials with indigo dyeing ranges. And facilities have been installed at the ~I~ for customers to run trials under realistic conditions
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