Microwave assisted synthesis of esterquat for fabric softening applications

An efficient method has been proposed for the synthesis of esterquat cationic surfactant,considered as a new type of biodegradable material utilized as a textile softening agent. this method involves microwave assisted esterification of stearic acid with triethanolamine followed by the quaternization with dimethyl sulphate. this method requires much less time for esterification and ensures good yield and high purity. the obtained quaternary ammonium compound was characterized by its cationic content and ft-ir analysis. a comparison with conventional thermal method was also done.