A comparison between microwave-assisted and thermally synthesized esterquat softeners used as textile softening agents

摘要

Triethanolamine-based esterquat softener was synthesized by two different methods, microwave irradiation and conventional thermal methods. FT-IR spectra and critical micelle concentration were employed to investigate chemical and physical properties of the synthesized softeners. Softening power, wettability, bending rigidity, yellowness, and anti-wrinkling properties of the synthesized softeners were also evaluated. It was found that microwave-synthesized softener posses better softening, wettability, and anti-wrinkling properties whilst shorter reaction time with higher yield, less cost, and higher purity of the synthesized product were the other advantages of this method over the conventional thermal method.