Obtained results are suggesting that because of the reduction of formaldehyde release noticed on conventional N-methylole based products, which are cheaper and more reactive, but abandoned because of the formaldehyde problem, can be used. Further interesting investigation to be performed would include improvement of molecules polarity degree. In this way further formaldehyde release can be enhanced while its quantity is further reduced or completely eliminated from the treated material.

3.2. Water and -oil repellent finishing

Comparing the results of water and oil repellent finishing, shown in tables 4 and 5, improvements of water repellency are noticeable in a case of microwave treatment. With both thermal treatments effects of the oil repellency are similar.

Improvements of the repellency effects are explained with the impact of the heated cylinder, which is included in the passage of the textile material for additional improvement of FC orientation. Improvements of the repellency effects obtained with additional thermal treatment (hot-ironing) after the tenter curing have shown that the reaction was not completely finished, especially when thicker material was treated.

Effectiveness of the repellency after the dry-cleaning is very good with both applied curing methods.

3.3. Flame retardant finishing

Results of flame retardancy, showed in tables 6 and 7, obtained by microwave inducement are equally good compared to conventional curing method. Application of BTCA for binding purposes gave equaly good FR effects as conventional MF cross-linking agent which is ecologically unacceptable. Both treating baths gave good results of flame retardancy, slightly lower after the microwave treatment. Effectivenes of flame retardancy was tested after the washing, and results have revealed some decrease. Decrease of the results after the washing is more noticeable at the samples which were treated by microwaves, but they are still satisfying. Obtained durability to washing of samples treated by microwaves is confirming sufficient crosslinking of OFR molecules with celullose molecules.

Conclusions

Results of performed investigations are indicating that microwaves are suitable for drying as well as curing processes of textile finishing. From the results of textile finishing treatment with different finishing agents further conclusions can be made:

Application of microwaves in Durable Press finishing offers significant improvement in comparison to the classical curing method performed at tenter.

Microwave treatment reduces formaldehyde release.

In water and oil-repellent finishing with FC polymers MW gives certain improvements.

In flame retardant finishes with organophosphorus reagents MW are showing equally good efficiency.

Application of MW in drying and finishing process gives certain improvements of effects, but its suitability should be preliminary tested for each reagent.

Favorable effects obtained by MW and treatments cost are indicating good possibility of its implementation in praxis. After the conclusion of laboratory experiments, construction of an industrial microwave device is to be expected.