Effect of microwave pretreatment on the dyeing behaviour of polyester fabric

Polyester fabric (filament by filament) was pretreated in a microwave oven in the presence of solvents and subsequently dyed with commercial disperse dyes [Dispersol Red C‐B (CI Disperse Red 91) and Dispersol Blue B‐G (CI Disperse Blue 26)] at different temperatures and for different durations of time. It was observed that the solvent interaction with the polyester could be enhanced by using microwave heating. Solvent molecules interact rapidly, not only with the surface of the fibre but also with the interior parts. Scanning electron microscope results showed that structural modifications take place, which produce surface roughness and voids. This enhances the dye uptake by threefold in comparison to conventional methods.