Write a PREreview

This study investigates the comparison of acid dyeing of Polyamide 6 (PA6) fabric using a conventional heating method and microwave assisted technique. The research employed C.I. Acid Blue 324 as the model dye, systematically exploring the effects of critical process parameters, including pH, temperature, dyeing time, and dye concentration, on the resulting color strength (K/S). The findings from the conventional dyeing process confirmed the fundamental mechanism of acid dyeing on PA6, demonstrating a strong inverse correlation between pH and color strength, with the optimal color yield achieved at the most acidic condition tested pH 3.0. Furthermore, dye uptake and fixation were significantly enhanced by increasing temperature, with the highest K/S values obtained at 95°C over a 30 minute period. The most effective dyeing conditions, yielding the maximum color strength, are achieved at the highest combination of dye concentration (1.50 %) and temperature (95°C). In contrast, the microwave-assisted dyeing methodology demonstrated a remarkable acceleration of the dyeing process. By utilizing dielectric heating at 160 W, the required dyeing time was drastically reduced. The optimal conditions for microwave dyeing also favored an acidic media pH 3.0 and showed a strong positive correlation between microwave exposure time and K/S value. Dyeing is accelerated because microwave heating provides uniform temperature distribution in the dye bath. The microwave-assisted dyeing technique is confirmed as a rapid, energy-efficient, and effective alternative to conventional methods for dyeing Polyamide 6 fabrics. This technology not only shortens the processing time but also has the potential to make significant contributions to environmental sustainability through lower energy consumption and potentially reduced water usage. This work establishes a strong foundation for the development of more economically viable dyeing protocols aligned with green chemistry principles in the textile industry.