Abstract
Absorption characteristics and fluorescent decay of fluorescent brightening agents derived from 4:4'-diarninostilhene-2:2'-disulfonic acid and of a thiazole derivative when present in aqueous solution and on cellulosic substrate after exposure to sunlight and Fade-Ometer irradiations have been studied. Simultaneous with the decomposition of the brighteners, the bursting strength of the treated fabric decreases after exposure, cuprammonium fluidity increases, and there is a rise in the reducing power of the treated cellulose fiber substance. The extent of degradation of the cellulose depends on the amount of brightener present on the substrate, the type and duration of irradiation and the chemical constitution of 'the brightener. A correlation has been found to exist between the rate of decomposition of the brightener and the extent of tendering; those compounds which decompose more readily also bring about enhanced tendering. Re sults also indicate that not only are the parent brightening agents effective for photo tendering of cellulose but their photodecomposition products are also responsible for the breakdown of cellulose chain molecules.

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