Influence of Microwaves on Nonformaldehyde DP Finished Dyed Cotton Fabrics

An alternative approach to formaldehyde-releasing conventional N-methylol com pounds is based on the use of nonformaldehyde durable press polycarboxlic acid (PCA) finishing agents. Another alternative approach, investigated here, is using microwave energy to impart durable crease resistance to dyed cotton fabric. The bifunctional dyes C.I. Reactive Red 195, C.I. Reactive Yellow 145, and C.I. Reactive Blue 221 are used in the study, and the isocratic HPLC method is employed to quantify the PCA reacted with the cellulosic material for two different curing procedures. Shade change evaluation reveals that microwave curing has a greater influence on the dE values than conventional curing. In all other aspects, primarily wrinkle recovery and deformation resistance, microwave curing offers much better results.