AATCC 1. TM (TEST METHODS)

Phenolic yellowing affects natural and synthetic fibers. The phenolic antioxidants present in the packing material along with exposure to oxides of nitrogen and alkali pH of the fabric are responsible for yellowing.

Phenolic yellowing is a discoloration phenomenon in textiles caused by the reaction of nitrogen oxides with yellowable phenolic compounds, often resulting in unsightly yellow stains on white or light-colored fabrics.

Testfabrics Phenotest impregnated test papers are soaked in a methanol solution containing phenolic chemicals that can cause yellowing in textiles. The phenolic compounds in the paper act as a controlled source of yellowing agents, simulating the effect of phenolic substances (such as certain antioxidants like BHT) migrating from the material into the paper. When the test paper is placed in contact with a fabric sample under standardized conditions (e.g., in a Perspirometer at 50 °C for 16 hours), any yellowing of the fabric indicates that the fabric has the potential to yellow under similar conditions.