Introduction: A Silent Powerhouse in the Textile Industry
In the complex world of textile manufacturing, precision, consistency, and chemical performance define the quality of the final fabric. From cotton scouring and dyeing to synthetic fabric processing, chemicals must perform without compromising cost-efficiency or environmental compliance.
One such underappreciated yet critical compound is Thiourea — a sulfur-containing organic molecule that has quietly become indispensable in textile processing and various industrial operations.
At Vinipul Chemicals Pvt. Ltd., we offer high-purity, industrial-grade Thiourea for bulk buyers across India and over 12 export markets. Backed by ISO, FSSAI, and GMP certifications, we ensure that our Thiourea delivers optimal results across both textile and multi-sectoral industrial needs.
What is Thiourea?
Chemical Formula: CH₄N₂S
Other Names: Thiocarbamide, Isothiourea
CAS Number: 62-56-6
Molar Mass: 76.12 g/mol
Structure: Similar to urea, but with a sulfur atom replacing oxygen
Appearance: White crystalline solid
Odor: Odorless
Solubility: Soluble in water and polar organic solvents
Thiourea is an organosulfur compound featuring a planar structure that facilitates hydrogen bonding, giving it unique reactivity in textile and metal-related processes.
Why is Thiourea Gaining Ground?
Unlike common bleaching agents or alkaline activators, Thiourea is valued for its dual role:
✔ As a chemical stabilizer
✔ And as a reaction enhancer under controlled temperature
These properties make it ideal for fabric treatment, dye fixation, and reducing oxidative stress on fibers, especially in delicate or synthetic textiles.
Key Applications in the Textile Industry
Thiourea is used in various stages of textile processing:
1️⃣ Bleaching and Scouring Agent
- Thiourea is used during pre-treatment to remove natural waxes and pectins from raw cotton.
- It acts as a mild reducing agent, lowering the risk of fiber degradation.
📌 Real-world example: In cotton yarn bleaching, Thiourea provides whiter results without weakening tensile strength compared to chlorine-based bleaches.
2️⃣ Dyeing Process Aid
- Thiourea improves dye uptake and fixation in both reactive and direct dyes.
- It acts as a buffer in acidic dye baths and improves tone uniformity, especially in synthetic blends like polyester-viscose.
📌 Advantage: Prevents blotching and improves shade reproducibility, even under varied pH conditions.
3️⃣ Fabric Softening and Anti-Creasing
Thiourea derivatives are often used in:
- Anti-crease resin formulations
- Softener emulsions to impart silky finish
It interacts well with formaldehyde-free systems, thus meeting export compliance for eco-friendly processing.
4️⃣ Desizing Agent in Finishing
When fabrics are sized with starch, Thiourea helps in enzymatic desizing by stabilizing enzymes and improving performance, especially on high-speed production lines.
5️⃣ Flame Retardant Formulations
Thiourea acts as a precursor in phosphorus-sulfur-nitrogen-based flame retardants, widely used in:
- Uniforms
- Home textiles (curtains, upholstery)
- Technical textiles (automotive interiors)
Technical Specifications – Supplied by Vinipul Chemicals
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Purity | ≥ 99% |
| Moisture Content | ≤ 0.5% |
| Melting Point | 174–180°C |
| Sulphate Content | ≤ 0.02% |
| Heavy Metals | ≤ 0.001% |
| Appearance | White, crystalline powder |
| Packaging Options | 25 kg, 50 kg HDPE bags or drums |
| Compliance | ISO / FSSAI / GMP Certified |
Our textile-grade Thiourea is quality-tested batch-wise and supplied with COA + MSDS + transport clearance for both domestic and export deliveries.
Extended Industrial Applications of Thiourea Beyond Textiles
While Thiourea is best known in the textile world, its influence extends far beyond fabric.
Here’s where it plays a vital role across sectors:
🔩 1. Metal Treatment and Electroplating
- Acts as a complexing agent in copper, silver, and cadmium plating baths.
- Used to refine metals by reducing metal oxides during processing.
- Preferred in gold leaching as a safer alternative to cyanide in some applications.
💎 2. Photography and Imaging
- Thiourea derivatives are used as toning agents in silver halide-based photographic prints.
- Enhances contrast and archival life of photographic paper.
💡 3. Rubber and Polymer Industries
- Acts as a vulcanization accelerator for rubber.
- Used in antioxidant systems to extend rubber product life.
🧪 4. Chemical Synthesis and Laboratory Use
- Serves as a reagent in organic synthesis.
- Useful in preparing thiourea dioxide and sulfur-containing heterocycles.
Market Demand and Export Trends
- India remains a major exporter of Thiourea to Gulf countries, East Asia, and parts of Africa.
- Textile clusters in Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Egypt increasingly demand high-purity Thiourea for eco-compliant dyeing operations.
- Global demand is projected to grow at 4.5–5% CAGR, driven by textile modernization and environmental compliance in metal treatment.
At Vinipul Chemicals Pvt. Ltd., we’re proudly supporting this growth with monthly dispatches to over 10+ countries, offering:
- 99%+ purity grades
- Timely logistics
- Export documentation, MSDS, and COA for every shipment
Safe Handling & Storage of Thiourea
While Thiourea is stable under normal conditions, buyers should know:
| Safety Aspect | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Storage | Store in cool, dry area, away from acids & heat |
| Personal Safety | Use gloves, mask, goggles during handling |
| Compatibility | Incompatible with oxidizing agents |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from manufacture in sealed condition |
| Transport Label | Not classified as a hazardous cargo |
📌 Note: Always refer to the MSDS provided with Vinipul shipments for detailed handling instructions.
FAQs
❓ What is Thiourea used for in textile processing?
Answer: Thiourea is used for bleaching, dyeing, softening, and finishing of fabrics. It helps improve dye fixation, whiteness, and wrinkle resistance without damaging fiber strength.
❓ Is Thiourea safe for industrial handling?
Answer: Yes, when handled with basic PPE and stored properly, Thiourea is stable and non-explosive. It is not classified as a hazardous cargo.
❓ Can Thiourea replace traditional bleaching agents?
Answer: In many cases, yes. It acts as a mild reducing agent and is especially suitable for high-quality cotton and synthetic blends.
❓ Does Thiourea improve dye uniformity?
Answer: Absolutely. It acts as a buffer, stabilizing pH and ensuring even dye penetration—minimizing blotching and enhancing shade consistency.
❓ Where can I buy textile-grade Thiourea in bulk?
Answer: Vinipul Chemicals Pvt. Ltd. is a trusted ISO, FSSAI, and GMP-certified supplier and exporter of high-purity Thiourea across India and international markets.
Why Choose Vinipul Chemicals Pvt. Ltd.?
🎯 Certified Quality – All batches meet ISO / FSSAI / GMP benchmarks
🚢 Export Ready – Documents, COA, MSDS, & logistics support
📦 Bulk Supply – 25kg / 50kg HDPE bags, drums, or customized packing
🛡️ Purity Guaranteed – 99%+ purity with every lot
📍 Based in Mumbai with nationwide delivery + port-based logistics
“At Vinipul, we don’t just sell chemicals—we deliver industrial results.”
