Impact of microwave irradiation technique on the physical, chemical and morphological structural of viscose fabric integrity

Purpose This work aims to investigate and comprehend the effect of a green and sustainable microwave irradiation approach that generates heat consistently on viscose fabric without affecting the fine fabric's molecular structure integrity. Design/methodology/approach To investigate the effect of microwave irradiation on viscose fabric's physical, chemical and surface morphological structure, the latter was treated with microwave irradiation under various conditions, including power and treatment time intervals. Tactile/sensorial comfort properties before and after microwave treatment, like tensile strength elongation at break, dry wrinkle recovery angle and surface roughness in addition to the degree of whiteness, air permeability and porosity as physical-comfort aspects, were also scrutinized. On the other hand, fine structural characterizations of the untreated and microwave-treated fabrics were deliberated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy scanning electron microscopy thermal gravimetric analysis and X-ray diffraction. Findings The results revealed that the treated fabrics' properties were altered by prolonged microwave power and time. On the other hand, the chemical and surface morphological structure, thermal analysis, crystallinity and poor size diameter were not significantly altered. The integrity of the fabric after treatment does not considerably affect its fine structure, but some studied properties have been altered due to changes in the molecular structure of the fabric. Finally, understanding the relationship between microwave irradiation power and time on the properties of viscose fabric is necessary for developing sustainable and effective textile treatments. Originality/value The novelty addressed here is to study the effect of the microwave irradiation approach on the tactile/sensorial comfort and physical comfort aspects of viscose fabric to develop sustainable and effective textile treatments without affecting the integrity of viscose fabric.