Synergistic Effect of Alkali Treatment and Microwave Irradiation on the Dyeing Properties of Polyester ? Wool Blend Fabrics

The synergistic effect of alkali treatment and microwave irradiation on the dyeing properties of polyester wool (PES/W) blend fabrics with reactive and acid dyes under conventional and microwave heating conditions was studied. Critical factors included the mode of treatment, concentration of alkali, time of treatment and time of dyeing are investigated. Morphological structures observations of treated fabrics with potassium hydroxide (KOH) by conventional method (thermal heating) and microwave dielectric heating were examined in order to determine whether the microwave treatment could be used to maintain the morphological architecture of treated fabrics without damage. Results showed that the colour strength of treated fabrics with 4 g/l KOH using microwave heating for 2 min was three times higher than the fabrics treated using thermal heating. Besides, the microwave energy supplied for 20 min is adequate to accomplish the required dyeing balance that can bring about reasonable colour strength, percentage of fixation and fastness properties. However such dyeing balance is not achieved within the range of 5-20 min with thermal heating. The monitoring of morphological changes and physical properties indicated that microwave can guarantee the wool/polyester goods without deterioration inside and outside heat in a very short time with fabric dyeing uniformity, and good colour fastness.