Abstract
When various properties of nylon 6 fibers were investigated after microwave irradiation in organic solvents, it was found that both their hygroscopicity and dye ability for reactive dyes were improved largely because of a decrease in their crystallization. These properties were influenced by various conditions, such as the solvent temperature, microwave irradiation energy, and types of solvent. Compared with conventional methods, such as using an electric heater, microwave heating increased the solvent temperature more quickly and then enhanced the hygroscopicity of nylon 6 fibers more effectively, but their mechanical strength was decreased more dramatically under even low-temperature conditions. Direct heating of nylon 6 fibers containing microwave-absorbent organic solvents probably caused these unique phenomena.
