Applying Softener Doped Silica Coating to Cotton Denim Fabrics

Present study, the surface of cotton denim fabrics which are one of the most used products in daily life was modified with silica coatings prepared with sol-gel technique. Cationic and nonionic softeners were used as additives to silica-based sols prepared separately in acidic and alkaline conditions. Characterization test results showed that coating could be obtained on fiber surfaces with the all applied treatments. The rigidity of the fabric caused by silica sols can be reduced slightly by adding both cationic and nonionic softeners. The applied coating processes slightly increased the air permeability. It was concluded that decreasing the rigidity of the silica coatings could improve the abrasion and tear strength of the denim fabrics to a certain level.