Effect of block copolymer silicone softener on textile fabric hydrophilicity, softness, and durability

The present work addressed the effect of the structural intensification of amino-functional silicone softeners on selected functional properties of polyester, cotton/polyester, knotted cotton and terry towel fabrics. The amino-functional silicone softener formulations contain two comb-structured compounds (primary and secondary amino-silicone) and one block-structured compound (quaternary amino-silicone) softener. Amino-silicone surfactant was made using stable emulsions, and the treated fabric's performance were carefully examined and their wettability and softening capacities were compared. The resultant fabric was physically, morphologically and structurally analyzed using particle size analysis (PSA), FTIR, SEM, EDAX and expert panel hand-feel testing. It was observed that primary and secondary amino-silicone softeners had good softening ability but less hydrophilic effect on the cotton-polyester blend fabric. However, because of the different structural characteristics of the quaternary amino-silicone softener, variations in the wettability and softening ability of blend fabrics were noticed. Due to their superior softness, hydrophilicity, surface tension, and contact angle properties when compared to primary and secondary amino-silicone surfactants, quaternary amino-silicone surfactants are valued as versatile additives in a range of industries and applications. Finally, it has been observed that the prototype fabric softeners containing silicone derivatives may provide quality features that enhance fiber properties.