Report on Softener

Senior Project
On
Study of various types of Softener (character, pH,
application process) in Finishing on cotton Knitted goods.

Supervising teacher
Ismat zerin
Lecturer
Department of Textile Engineering
Prepared by
Mihir Ranjon Das
ID# 05310054
Program: BSTE
Batch: 1st
Semester: fall, 2009
Submission date: January 26, 2010
City University
40, Bulu Ocean TOWER, Kemal Ataturk Avenue,
Banani, Dhaka-1213.

Acknowledgement
By means of practical knowledge it’s not possible to apply the theoretical knowledge in the
practical field. For any technical education, practical experience is almost equaled important
in association with the theoretical knowledge.

Now I wish to take this excellent opportunity to thank a lot of people who have assisted and
inspired me in the completion of my training period.

Miss Ismat Zerin, my supervisor, to whom I am extremely indebted for his tremendous
support and guidance throughout my training period. Being working with him I have not
only earned valuable knowledge but was also inspired by his innovativeness which helped
enrich my experience to a greater extent. His ideas and way of working was truly
remarkable.

I also express my gratitude to Prof. Dr Md. Saiful Islam, Head, Department of Textile
Engineering, for his support and continuous guidance throughout my long journey in City
University and the industrial training.

The industrial attachment is the process, which builds understanding, skills and attitude of
the performer, which improves his knowledge in boosting productivity and services.
University education provides us vast theoretical knowledge as well as more practical
attachment, in despite of all these industrial attachment helps us to be familiar with
technical support of modern machinery, skillness about various processing stages.

It also provides us sufficient practical knowledge about production management, work
study, efficiency, industrial management, purchasing, utility and maintenance of machinery
and their operation techniques etc. the above mentioned cannot be achieved successfully by
means of theoretical knowledge only. This is why it should be accomplished with practical
knowledge in which it is based on. Industrial attachment makes us reliable to be accustomed
with the industrial atmosphere and improve courage and inspiration to take self
responsibility.

Textile education can’t be completed without industrial training. Because this industrial
training minimizes the gap between theoretical and practical knowledge and make us
accustomed to industrial environment.

Table of Contents
Topics                    Page number
Chapter1
1.0         General consideration…………………………………………………………………………… 1
1.1         History…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2
Chapter2
2.0         Raw Materials………………………………………………………………………………………. 3
2.0.1 Conditioning agents………………………………………………………………………………. 3
2.0.2 Emulsifiers…………………………………………………………………………………………… 3‐4
2.0.3 Other ingredients………………………………………………………………………................ 4
2.1 Manufacturing Process………………………………………………………………................. 4‐5
2.2 Quality control……………………………………………………………………………………… 5
2.3 Future Softener……………………………………………………………………………………... 5‐6
2.4 Composition………………………………………………………………………………………… 6‐7
2.5 Reason for using softener………………………………………………………………………. 7
2.6 Desirable properties of Textile softener…………………………………………………. 7
2.7 Mechanism of Textile softener……………………………………………………................ 7‐9
2.8 Fabric Softener……………………………………………………………………………………… 9
2.9         Classification Softener…………………………………………………………………………… 9
Chapter3
3.0         Cationic Softener…………………………………………………………………………………… 10
3.0.1     Chemistry of Cationic Softener……………………………………………………................ 10‐11
3.0.2 Mode of action………………………………………………………………………………………. 12
3.0.3 How to use……………………………………………………………………………………………. 12
3.0.4 Properties of cationic softener……………………………………………………………….. 12‐13
3.0.5 Advantages…………………………………………………………………………………………… 13
3.0.6 Disadvantages……………………………………………………………………………………….     13

3.0.7 Application…………………………………………………………………………………………… 14
3.0.8 Various types of cationic softener and their character, pH, application process……………………….. 14‐16
3.0.8.0 Quaternary Ammonium Salt…………………………………………………………………... 16‐19
3.0.8.1 Imidazolines…………………………………………………………………………………………. 19‐20
3.0.8.2 N‐dimethyl ammonium chloride…………………………………………………………….. 20‐23
3.0.8.3 N‐ distearyl‐N……………………………………………………………………………................. 23
3.0.9 TRADE NAMES OF CATIONIC SOFTENING AGENT …………………………………. 23
Chapter4
4.0 AN‐IONIC SOFTENER…………………………………………………………………………….. 24
3.2 TRADE NAME OF ANIONIC SOFTENING AGENTS……………………………………. 25
Chapter5 26
5.0 Silicone softeners………………………………………………………………………................

26
5.1 Properties…………………………………………………………………………………................. 27
5.2 Silicone emulsion is two types……………………………………………………................ 27
5.2.1 Micro emulsion…………………………………………………………………………………….. 27
5.2.2 Macro emulsion…………………………………………………………………………................. 27
5.3 Different Types of Softener……………………………………………………………………. 27‐28
5.3.1 Polydimethyl Silicon……………………………………………………………………………… 29‐30
5.3.2 Polydimethyl siloxane…………………………………………………………………………… 30‐31
5.3.3 Non‐ionic Silicon Softener……………………………………………………………………… 32‐33
5.3.4 Nonionic polysiloxane with amino groups……………………………………………… 33‐34
5.3.5 Microemulsion with amino groups……………………………………………….………... 34‐35
5.3.6 Aminofunctional polysiloxane………………………………………………………………... 36‐37
5.3.7 Elastomer Silicones……………………………………………………………………………….. 37
5.3.8 Synthosilky…………………………………………………………………………………………… 37
5.3.9 Other Silicon Softener……………………………………………………………………………. 37
Chapter6
6.0 Non‐ionic softeners...............................................................................................................

38‐39

6.1 Chemistry of non‐ionic softeners…………………………………………………………… 39‐41
6.2 How to use……………………………………………………………………………………………. 41
6.3 Advantages…………………………………………………………………………………………… 41
6.4 Disadvantage………………………………………………………………………………………… 42
6.5 Different Types of Non –ionic Softener…………………………………………………… 42
6.5.0 Polyethylene…………………………………………………………………………………………. 42‐44
6.5.1 Ethoxylated Fatty Acid…………………………………………………………………………... 44‐45
6.5.2 Silky Top………………………………………………………………………………………………. 46‐47
6.6 TRADE NAMES OF NON‐IONIC SOFTENING AGENT………………………………... 48
Chapter7
7.0 Amphoteric Softener……………………………………………………………………………... 49
7.1 Hydrophilic Softeners……………………………………………………………………………. 50
7.1.0 Special Features……………………………………………………………………………………. 50
7.1.1 Properties…………………………………………………………………………………................. 50
7.1.2 Application…………………………………………………………………………………………… 51
7.1.3 Padding Process……………………………………………………………………………………. 51
7.1.4 Storage & Handling Precautions…………………………………………………...………... 51
7.2 Urethane Softeners………………………………………………………………………………... 51
7.2.0 Advantages…………………………………………………………………………………………… 51‐52
7.2.1 Properties…………………………………………………………………………………................. 52
7.2.2 Stability………………………………………………………………………………………………… 52
7.2.3 Compatibility………………………………………………………………………………………… 52
7.2.4 Application Methods……………………………………………………………………………… 53
7.2.5 Storage & Handling Precautions…………………………………………………………….. 53
7.3.0 Function……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 53‐54
7.3.1 Features……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 54
7.3.2 Properties…………………………………………………………………………………................. 54
7.3.3 Compatibility………………………………………………………………………………………… 54

7.3.4 Storage stability……………………………………………………………………………………. 55
7.3.5 Application…………………………………………………………………………………………… 55
7.3.6 Storage & Handling Precautions…………………………………………………................ 55
7.4 MACRO SOFTENER………………………………………………………………………………. 56
7.4.1 Product Properties………………………………………………………………………………... 56
7.4.2 Method of Usage……………………………………………………………………………………. 57
7.5 Micro softener……………………………………………………………………………………... 57
7.5.2 Product Properties………………………………………………………………………………... 57
7.5.3 Method of Usage…………………………………………………………………………………… 58
7.5.4 SS‐SOF 80 EXL………………………………………………………………………………………. 58

Study of various types of Softener (character, pH,
application process) in Finishing on cotton Knitted goods.

CHAPTER‐1
Study of various types of softener (Character, pH, Application
Process) in finishing on Cotton Knitted Goods.

Study of various types of softener (Character, pH, Application Process) in Finishing on Cotton Knitted Goods   Page 1

1.0 GENERAL CONSIDERATION
Softening agents are applied to textiles to improve their hand, drape, cutting and sewing
qualities. An effective softener must be readily dispersible in rinse water and rapidly
absorbed so that uniform deposition on the fabric can occur within a relatively short
treatment time and generally, exhaustion should take place in about 5min for the softener to
be effective and economically usable. It must impart softness, fluffiness and lubricity to the
treated cloth and reduce static build‐up, especially in the case of hydrophobic fibers like
cellulose acetate, nylon, polyester and acrylic fibers. These effects should be obtained
without the loss of fabric whiteness or brightness, and then the treated fabric should retain
its ability to absorb in subsequent use for drying the body (bath towels) or other surfaces.
Fabric softener (also called fabric conditioner) is used to prevent static cling and make
fabric softer. It is available as a liquid or as dryer sheets. Popular brand names include
Downy (Lenor), Snuggle, Bounce, Comfort and Sta‐Soft.
Most modern washing machines have a dispenser which can add liquid fabric softener to the
load of laundry automatically on the final rinse; in launderettes one may need to add it
manually. Some brands of washing powder have fabric conditioning built‐in which is
claimed to save money when compared to buying ordinary washing powder and fabric
softener separately. Some fabric softeners are also claimed to make ironing easier or to
make clothes dry faster. For best results, un‐diluted liquid fabric softener should not be
poured directly onto clothes.
Fabric softeners may also come in the form of dryer sheets, which are added to clothing in
the tumble dryer to soften the fabrics and prevent static. Many alternative uses of dryer
sheets have been suggested by users.
Fabric softeners work by coating the surface of the cloth fibers with a thin layer of
chemicals; these chemicals have lubricant properties and are electrically conductive, thus
making the fibers feel smoother and preventing buildup of static electricity. Other functions
are improvements of iron glide during ironing, increased resistance to stains, and reduction
of wrinkling.
Cationic softeners bind by electrostatic attraction to the negatively charged groups on the
surface of the fibers and neutralizing their charge; the long aliphatic chains are then
oriented towards the outside of the fiber, imparting lubricity. Vinegar works on some
materials in a similar way, as the hydrogen ions bind to the anionic groups on the fibers.
The disadvantage of coating fibers by hydrophobic layer is in decreasing the water
absorption properties of the fabric, which may be undesirable in towels and diapers.
Therefore the cationic softeners are often combined with other chemicals with lower
affinity to the fibers. The use of fabric softener is contraindicated in some articles, such as
microfiber textiles.
Most good quality all‐cotton towels do not need to be treated with fabric softener and with
repeated washings and dryings, they become softer naturally. Over time, towels that have
softened with fabric softener are less absorbent.


1.1 HISTORY

A fabric softener is a liquid composition added to washing machines during the rinse cycle
to make clothes feel better to the touch. These products work by depositing lubricating
chemicals on the fabric that make it feel softer, reduce static cling, and impart a fresh
fragrance. The first fabric softeners were developed by the textile industry during the early
twentieth century. At that time the process that was used to dye cotton fibers left them
feeling harsh. In the early 1900s, preparations known as cotton softeners were developed to
improve the feel of these fibers after dyeing. A typical cotton softener consisted of seven
parts water, three parts soap, and one part olive, corn, or tallow oil. With advances in
organic chemistry, new compounds were created that could soften fabric more effectively.
These improved formulations soon found their way into the commercial market.
By the 1960s several major marketers, including Procter and Gamble, had begun selling
liquid fabric softener compositions for home use. The popularity of these products
dramatically increased over the next decade as manufacturers developed new formulations
that provided improved softness and more appealing fragrances.
Despite their growing popularity, fabric softeners suffered from one major disadvantage:
the softener chemicals are not compatible with detergents and therefore they cannot be
added to the washer until all the detergent has been removed in the rinse cycle. Initially, this
restriction required the consumer to make an extra trip to the washing machine if they
wanted to soften their clothes. In the late 1970s manufacturers found a way to deliver fabric
softening benefits in a dryer sheet format. These sheets provide some of the benefits of
fabric softeners but give the added convenience of being able to be added in the dryer
instead of the washer rinse cycle. However, while dryer sheets are very popular today,
liquid softeners are still widely used because they are more effective.
In the 1990s, environmentally minded manufacturers began test marketing ultra‐
concentrated formulations. These "ultra" formulations are designed such that only about
one‐quarter as much product has to be used and therefore they can be packaged in smaller
containers. However the perceived value to the consumer is lower because there are fewer
products and the price is higher. It remains to be seen if these ultra concentrates will
succeed in today's marketplace.
By the end of the 1990s, annual sales of liquid fabric softeners in the United States reached
approximately $700 million (in supermarkets, drug stores, and mass merchandisers). For
the sake of comparison, about $400 million worth of dryer sheets are sold each year. The
major manufacturers such as Procter and Gamble (Downy) and Lever Brothers (Snuggle),
dominate about 90% of the market share while private label brands account for the
remaining 10%.

CHAPTER‐2


2.0 RAW MATERIALS
2.0.1 Conditioning agents
Early fabric softener formulas were relatively simple dispersions of fatty materials that
would deposit on the fabric fibers after washing. One of the most common ingredients used
was dihydrogenated tallow dimethyl ammonium chloride (DHTDMAC), which belongs to a
class of materials known as quaternary ammonium compounds, or quats. This kind of
ingredient is useful because part of the molecule has a positive charge that attracts and
binds it to negatively charged fabric fibers. This charge interaction also helps disperse the
electrical forces that are responsible for static cling. The other part of the molecule is fatty in
nature and it provides the slip and lubricity that makes the fabric feel soft.
While these quats do soften fabrics very effectively, they also can make them less absorbent.
This is a problem for certain laundry items such as towels and diapers. To overcome this
problem, modern formulations use quats in combination with other more effective
ingredients. These newer compounds have somewhat lower substantivity to fabric which
makes them less likely to interfere with water absorption.
One of the new classes of materials employed in fabric softener formulations today is
polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Siloxane is a silicone based fluid that has the ability to
lubricate fibers to give improved softening and ease of ironing. Other silicones used in
softeners include amine‐functional silicones, amide‐functional silicones and silicone gums.
These silicone derivatives are modified to be more substantive to fabric and can
dramatically improve its feel.
2.0.2 Emulsifiers
The conditioning ingredients used in fabric softeners are not typically soluble in water
because of their oily nature. Therefore, another type of chemical, known as an emulsifier,
must be added to the formula to form a stable mixture. Without emulsifiers the softener
liquid would separate into two phases, much like an oil and vinegar salad dressing does.
There are three types of emulsifiers used in fabric softener formulations: micro‐emulsions,
macro‐emulsions, and emulsion polymers. Macro‐emulsions are creamy dispersions of oil
and water similar to hand lotions or hair conditioners. The emulsifier molecules surround
the hydrophobic oil or silicone droplets and allow them to be dispersed in water. A micro‐
emulsion is chemically similar, but it creates oil particles that are so small that light will pass
around them. Therefore, a micro‐emulsion is characterized by its clarity and transparency
as opposed to being milky white. Furthermore, one of the advantages of micro‐emulsion is
that the silicone particles are so tiny that they will actually penetrate into the fibers, while
macro‐emulsions only deposit on the fiber's surface. The third type, emulsion polymers,
creates dispersions that look similar to a macro‐emulsion. This system does not use true
emulsifiers to suspend and dissolve the oil phase. Instead, emulsion polymers create a
stabilized web of molecules that suspend the tiny silicone droplets like fish caught in a net.
The emulsifying system used in softeners must be chosen carefully to ensure the
appropriate level of deposition on the fabric. A blend of non‐ionic emulsifiers (those that

have no charge) and cationic emulsifiers (those that have a positive charge) are typically
used. Anionic surfactants (which have a negative charge) are rarely used because the fabric
conditioning agents have a positive charge which would tend to destabilize an anionic
emulsion.
2.0.3 Other ingredients
In addition to conditioning agents and emulsifiers, fabric softeners contain other ingredients
to improve their aesthetic appeal and to ensure the product will be shelf stable. For
example, fragrance and color are added to make the product more pleasing to consumers. In
addition, emulsion stabilizers and preservatives are used to ensure the product quality.
2.1 MANUFACTURING PROCESS
The preferred method for manufacturing liquid softeners involves heating the ingredients
together in one large mixing vessel. Mixing tanks should be constructed from high grade
stainless steel to prevent attack from the corrosive agents in the formula. The tank is
typically equipped with a jacketed shell that allows steam and cold water to be circulated, so
the temperature of the batch can be easily controlled. In addition the tank is fitted with a
propeller type mixer that is driven by a large electric motor. This kind of mixing blade
provides the high shear that is needed to properly disperse the ingredients.
The first step in the manufacturing process is to fill the tank with the specified amount of
water. Water is added first because it acts as a carrier for all the other ingredients.
Deionized water is used because it is free from metal ions that can affect the performance of
the batch. Conventional formulations can contain as much as 80‐90% water.
Once the water has been added to the tank, heating and mixing is initiated. When the water
has reached the appropriate temperature, the emulsifiers are added. Since these chemicals
tend to be waxy solid materials they are added at relatively high temperatures (between
158‐176TF [70‐80°C]). While the order of addition depends on the specific formula, it
usually more effective to disperse the emulsifiers prior to adding the less water‐soluble
materials. Emulsifiers are used between 1‐10%, depending on the specific chemicals that
are selected.
The conditioning ingredients used in softeners are not typically water soluble, so they are
added to the water phase after the emulsifiers. For a typical strength formulation about 5%
is used. For more concentrated formulations, levels of 10% are more common. When blends
of quats and silicones are used, the silicones are used at levels as low as 0.5‐1.5%.
When pre‐emulsified silicones are used in the formula they are added late in the process
when the temperature is lower and there is less mechanical agitation in the batch. If higher
molecular weight silicones are used that have not been pre‐emulsified they must be added
to the batch at high temperatures with a high level of agitation to ensure the silicone oil
droplets are evenly dispersed.
Heating and mixing continues until the batch is homogeneous. At this point cool water is
circulated around the tank to lower the temperature. As the batch cools, the remaining
ingredients, such as preservatives, dyes, and fragrance, are added. These ingredients are
used at much lower concentrations, typically below no more than a few percent for

fragrance and less than 1% for preservatives and dyes. When the batch is complete, a
sample is sent to the analytical chemistry lab to ensure it meets quality control standards
for solids, pH, and viscosity. The completed batch may be pumped to a filling line or stored
in tanks until it is ready to be filled.
When the product is ready to be filled into the package, it is transferred to an automated
filling line. Plastic bottles are fed onto a conveyor belt that carries them under a filling
nozzle. At the filling head there is a large hopper that holds the formulation and discharges a
controlled amount, usually set by volume, into the bottle. The filled package continues down
the conveyor line to a capping machine that applies the closure and tightens it. Finally, the
filled bottles are packed in cartons and stacked pallets for shipping.
2.2 QUALITY CONTROL
The finished fabric softer formulations are tested using a number of different protocols.
Simple laboratory tests are used to determine basic properties such as pH, viscosity, and
percent solids. These tests can help confirm that the correct ingredients were added at the
appropriate levels.
Other, more rigorous, tests are done to ensure the formulation is functioning correctly. One
such evaluation is a water absorbency test, sometimes called the Drayes Wetting Test. This
procedure involves dropping small pieces of treated fabric onto water and recording the
length of time required for the fabric to sink. This measurement is taken 10 times to obtain
an average result.
Anti‐wrinkle properties can be evaluated by asking panelists to rate samples of fabric before
they have been ironed. They are asked to numerically rate the amount of wrinkling between
the test sample and the fabric softener treated sample. The test to measure ease of ironing is
also done using trained panelists.
These tests are performed on swatches of identical fabrics with the only difference being
that one fabric has been treated with softener and the other has been washed in detergent
only. 100% cotton pillowcases are used for wrinkling and ironing tests while 100% cotton
terry towels are used for evaluating softness and water absorbency. The swatches are dried
in a controlled environment at 71.6°F (22°C) and 65% relative humidity for 24 hours before
testing.
2.3 FUTURE OF SOFTENER
There are two formula related areas that will affect the future of fabric softeners. The first is
the impact the ultra‐concentrates will have on the market. At the time of this writing it is too
soon to tell if they will be accepted by consumers. The second area is related to the role that
multi‐functionality will play in the future. As chemists develop new more efficacious
ingredients there is more potential for additional consumer‐perceivable benefits. At the turn
of the millennium, multifunctional fabric softener formulations are the latest trend. These
new products not only soften clothes but also improve the ease of ironing, reduce wrinkling
in the dryer, and provide stain protection. Both Lever Brothers and Procter and Gamble
have capitalized on this trend with new formulations that deliver multiple fabric care
benefits. Finally, manufacturers may turn to new delivery forms to make softeners easier to

use. One new method introduced by P&G in the late 1990s is the "Downy Ball." This is a
reusable plastic tennis ball sized sphere that is filled with liquid Downy and added to the
washer at the beginning of the cycle. The ball stays sealed during washing but the spinning
of the rinse cycle triggers it to open and release the softener. For consumer who does not
have an automatic softener dispenser on their washing machines, the "Downy Ball" saves
them from the trouble of adding the liquid in a separate step. Other innovative dispensing
devices like this may become more common as manufacturers strive to differentiate their
products from the competition.
2.4 COMPOSITION
The earliest fabric softeners were developed during early 20th century to counteract the
harsh feel which the drying methods imparted to cotton. The cotton softeners were typically
based on water emulsion of soap and olive oil, corn oil, or tallow oil.
Contemporary fabric softeners tend to be based on quaternary ammonium salts with one or
two long alkyl chains, a typical compound being dipalmitoylethyl hydroxyethylmonium
methosulfate. Other cationic compounds can be derived from imidazolium, substituted
amine salts, or quaternary alkoxy ammonium salts. One of the most common compounds of
the early formulations was dihydrogenated tallow dimethyl ammonium chloride
(DHTDMAC).
Anionic softeners and antistatic agents can be, for example, salts of monoesters and diesters
of phosphoric acid and the fatty alcohols. These are often used together with the
conventional cationic softeners. Cationic softeners are incompatible with anionic surfactants
presenting the bulk of surfactants used in detergents, with which they form inefficient
precipitate; therefore they cannot be mixed with the detergent, but have to be added during
the rinse cycle instead. Anionic softeners can be combined with anionic surfactants directly.
Other anionic softeners can be based on smectite clays. Some compounds, such as
ethoxylated phosphate esters, have properties of softening, anti‐static, and surfactant.
The softening compounds differ in affinity to different materials. Some are better for
cellulose‐based fibers; others have higher affinity to hydrophobic materials like nylon,
polyethylene terephthalate, polyacrylonitrile, etc.
Silicone based compounds such as polydimethylsiloxane comprise the new softeners which
work by lubricating the fibers. Silicone derivatives are used as well. Modified to contain
amine or amide groups; they bind better to the fabrics and have much improved feel. They
have essentially the same role as oils had in the early formulations.
As the softeners themselves are often of hydrophobic nature, they are commonly occurring
in the form of an emulsion. In the early formulations, soaps were used as emulsifiers. The
emulsions are usually opaque, milky fluids. However there are also micro emulsions where
the droplets of the hydrophobic phase are substantially smaller. The advantage of micro
emulsions is in the increased ability of the smaller particles to penetrate into the fibers. A
mixture of cationic and non‐ionic surfactants is often used as an emulsifier. Another
approach is using a polymeric network, an emulsion polymer.
Other compounds are included to provide additional functions; acids or bases for
maintaining the optimal pH for adsorption to the fabric, electrolytes, carriers (usually water,
sometimes water‐alcohol mixture), and others, e.g. Silicone‐based anti‐foaming agents,
emulsion stabilizers, fragrances, and colors. Relatively recent forms on the market are the

ultra‐concentrates, where the amount of carriers and some other chemicals is substantially
lower and much smaller volumes are used. In recent years, the importance of delivering
perfume onto the clothes has possibly exceeded that of softening. The perfume levels in
fabric softeners has gradually increased, requiring high shear mixing technology to be used
to incorporate greater amounts of perfumes within the emulsions. Long term release of
perfume on the fabric is a key technology now being utilized. Each country tends to have
different perfume requirements and brands may have different softener/perfume ratio
depending on the count.
2.5 REASONS FOR USING SOFTENER
• As the textile material goes under various mechanical and chemical processes that
make the surface of the material harsh. For example, Removal of natural oil and
waxes by scouring and bleaching.
• Resin finishing of textile material also imparts some degree of harshness. Soaping of
textile material also add harsh feeling to the material.
• As consumers are much more caring about the touch of textile material. This is also
reason for using softener.

2.6 DESIRABLE PROPERTIES OF TEXTILE SOFTENER
• It should be easy to handle.
• It should have good compatibility to other chemicals.
• It should not affect the shade of the material.
• It should not affect the fastness of dyed material.
• It should not cause any yellowing effect on dyed and finished material.
• It should be stable to high temperature.
• It should be non volatile by water vapor.
• It should be non toxic and non caustic.
• It should be easily bio degradable.

2.7 MECHANISMS OF SOFTENING EFFECT
Softeners provide their main effects on the surface of the fabrics. Small softener molecules,
in addition, penetrate the fiber and provide an internal plasticization of the fiber forming
polymer by reducing of the glass transition temperature. The physical arrangement of the
usual softener molecules on the fiber surface is important and shown in Fig.‐1.
Depending on the ionic nature of the softener molecule and the relative hydrophobicity of
the fiber surface, cationic softeners orient themselves with their positively charged ends
toward the partially negatively charged fabrics (zeta potential), creating a new surface of

hydrophobic carbon chain that provide the characteristic excellent softening and lubricity
seen with cationic softeners. Anionic softeners, on the other hand, orient themselves with
their negatively charged ends repelled away from the negatively charged fiber surface. This
leads to higher hydrophilicity, but less softening than with cationic softeners.
The orientation of non‐ionic softeners depends on the nature of the fiber surface, with the
hydrophilic portion of the softener being attracted to hydrophilic surfaces and the
hydrophobic portion being attracted to hydrophobic surface.

Fig. 1 Schematic orientation of softeners on fiber surface


(a)  Cationic softener
(b)  Anionic Softener at fiber surface Non‐ionic softener at
(c)  Hydrophobic
(d)  Hydrophilic fiber surface.

2.8 FABRIC SOFTENER

• Fabric softeners work by coating the surface of the cloth with a thin layer of
chemicals.
• So the term softener can be defined as an auxiliary applied to textile material in
order to improve its handle with mo0re pleasing touch.

2.9 CLASSIFICATION OF SOFTENER
Based on the ionic natures softener can be classified into six categories:
1. Cationic softeners
2. Anionic softeners
3. Non ionic softeners
4. Amphoteric softeners
5. Reactive softeners
6. Silicone softeners
7. Antiozone Softener
8. Urethane Softeners
9. Macro softener
10. Micro softener

CHAPTER‐3


3.0 CATIONIC SOFTENERS
Cationic softeners have been defined as material which dissolved or disperse in water,
concentrate and orient at interfaces and ionize in such a way that the cation includes a
hydrocarbon chain, which is hydrophobic and contains from 8 to 25 carbon atoms.
3.0.1 Chemistry of cationic softeners
The simplest cationic are the primary, secondary and tertiary mono‐amines and their salts,
formed by neutralization of the amines, usually with acetic acid. The primary and secondary
amines have little importance in the textile field, since the free hydrogen on the nitrogen
atom leads to fabric, yellowing. But, they serve as raw materials for making quaternary
aminonium compounds. Reaction, with alkylating like methyl chloride, benzyl chloride,
dimethyl sulphate, etc converts the insoluble amines into water soluble salts, which are
more active than the original amines. These quaternary compounds have excellent thermal
stability, especially on the acidic site. Stearyl or distearyl dimethyl ammonium chloride or
methosulphate, cetyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride or methosulphate, etc belong to
this group.
The next groups of commercial importance are amido‐amines, which are formed by the
reaction of a fatty acid or a glyceride (fat) and a substituted or unsubstitued short‐chain
polyamine. Generally, the reaction occurs at only one of the amine functions, giving an
amide leaving one or more unreacted amino functional groups. The amine may be
diethylene tri‐amine, N. N‐diethyl ethylene, etc. Derivatives of ethylene diamine have high
melting points and exhibit poor solubility.
This amide is quaternised either with glacial acetic acid or hydrochloric acid to give cationic
fabric softeners. They are good, especially for chlorinated wool, which is quite harsh. All the
members of this group are quite stable to hydrolysis.
Imidazolines are the next group of cationic softeners. These are formed from fatty acids and
polyethylene polyamine.

COOHR +H2N CH3 CH2 NH CH2 CH2 NH2
R CO NH CH2 CH2 NH CH2 CH2 NH
-H2O
-H2O(Heating)
CH3
CH2
N
CR
N
CH3 CH2 NH2

The cyclic compound (imidazoline) has a lower melting point and higher solubility than the
parent amidoamine. These cyclic products may subsequently be acetylated, neutralized or
reacted with ethylene oxide.
A fourth group of cationic includes aminoesters, prepared by reaction of fatty acid or acid
chloride with amino alcohols like diethanolamine or hydroxyethyl ethylene diamine.

COOHR + NH CH2 CH2 OH
NH H2C CH3 OH
HOCH2 CH2 NH CH2
R COOCH2 CH2
CH2 NH CH2 CH2
R COOH CH2
HO
NH2
NH CH2 CH2
R COO CH2 NH2
CH2

These are quite water soluble, give good softening properties and are easy to make, but
being esters, have a definite disadvantage of being easily hydrolyzed. After quaternisation
also, the ease of hydrolysis is retained by them.
Cationic softener belonging to the fifth group may be prepared from dicyandiamide and
stearyl amine followed by reaction with ethylene oxide and quqternisation. The treatment
with ethylene oxide to obtain the adduct is done to impart water solubility to the compound.
2 H 2 N C N H 2 N C NH C
NH
N
C 18 H 37 NH 2 H 2 N C NH C
NH
( S t e a n y l a m in e )
C 18 H 37 NH C NH C NH 2
NH NH
( S t e a n y l d ig u a n id e )
CH 2
O
CH 2
C 18 H 37 NH C NH C NH CH 2 CH 2 OH
NH 3
NH
CH 3 --COOH
C 18 H 37 NH C NH C NH 2
+ CH 2 CH 2 OH
NH NH
HOOC CH 3

3.0.2 Mode of action
When a quaternary ammonium softener is dissolved in water, it ionizes into a hydrophilic
head with a negative charge and a hydrophobic tail carrying a positive charge. On the other
hand, when textile fibers are entered into water they acquire a negative charge. When a
textile fiber is entered into an aqueous solution of a cationic softener.
During the softening treatment the negative charge on the fiber surface attracts the positive
tail of the cationic softener. This result in firmly anchoring of the softener residue on the
fiber substance, somewhat similar to sheathing the fiber with an oily film. This is
responsible for obtaining a soft handle and a pliable, well lubricated fiber surface.
3.0.3 How to use
Cationic softeners are available in the form of off‐white pastes with a slightly acidic reaction
and can be dilute with water to any extent. Further addition of an acid is not necessary to
affect dissolution/dilution. Being cat ion‐active they should not be mixed with anion‐active
products like soaps, Turkey red oil, alkyl benzene sulphonates, fatty alcohol sulphates, etc.
If hard water is used for their dilution, they do not react with calcium and magnesium salts.
However, they are sensitive to calcium carbonate, which neutralizes the small amount of the
acid which is present in the softener and which is necessary for the dissolution of the
softener. Therefore if hard water is used, a small amount of acetic acid should be added to
neutralize the alkalinity. The pH of the treating bath should be about 4 to overcome the
difficulties arising out of alkalinity of the water used for diluting the softener.
The softener may be applied by the padding or the exhaustion method. In thy latter, 0.25%
to 2% softener on the weight of the material may be used and enough time given for
adequate exhaustion.
The cationic softeners find the following applications:
• As a self‐finish on peace goods to impart a lofty, full softness.
• As a softener for yarn
• As a softener to modify the handle of resin‐treated fabrics
• As an static agent for loose fibers
3.0.4 Properties of cationic softener
• They are compatible with most resin finishes.
• It has tendency to change the shade.
• It also affects the fastness of certain dyestuffs.
• It also causes discoloration on white fabrics.
• As cationic softeners have positive charge they are affected to cotton or synthetic
fabric.
• Cationic softeners provide a very soft, silky hand to fabric.

• Nitrogen containing substances like quaternary fatty acid esters, dimethyl distearyl
compounds are used in making cationic softeners.
3.0.5 Advantages
Substantivity of cationic softeners to textile fibres involves complete exhaustion from
application baths as well as firm bonding of the softener to the fabric. High degree of
softener is one of the advantages of cationic softeners.
Cationic impart other useful textile properties. For example, they improve the fibre tear
strength due to increased internal lubrication which reduces the effect of abrasion. Better
sewability and reduced needle cutting are the effect of softener treatment. In these cases,
lubrication allows high speed needle to push the fibre aside without cutting the thread. For
example, on a particular wool/nylon shirt, at 4,500 stitches/min, only one or two yards
could be sewn; when the softener is applied to the fabric, a minimum of 52 yards can be
sewn.
3.0.6 Disadvantages
Lack of general compatibility with certain textile processing chemicals is the foremost
disadvantages of cationic. Thus anionic detergents & soap react with cationic softener &
form precipitates, giving an insoluble, unionized complex.
COO-
Na+R + [R'N(CH3)3]+
Cl-
COO-R [R'N(CH3)3]+
+ Na+
Cl-

This precipitation reaction eliminates their use in anionic detergent processing solutions
and on insufficiently washed fabrics pre‐treated with anionic detergent. When the
precipitation takes place the softening property is reduced. This precipitation makes it
necessary to incorporate cationic softeners as after‐rinses for fabrics. There is a yellowing
effect, particularly on ageing of bleached cotton fabrics. However, this may be minimized by
a proper choice of the softener.
3.0.7 Application
There are two principle methods of application of cationic softeners‐ 1) exhaustion from
dilute baths, 2) padding from relatively concentrated solution.
The long‐bath (exhaustion) process is especially suitable because of the natural
substantivity of the softeners and is usually adopted for knitted goods, not requiring resin
treatment. With thermosetting resins (urea‐formaldehyde resin) cationic lubricants
softeners are a valuable adjunct to the treatment: since they are not appreciably removed in
the subsequent washing operation and serve to reduce needle cutting during garment
manufacture and generally impart improved tear and abrasion resistance.

3.0.8 Various types of cationic softener and their character, pH, application process
3.0.8.0 Quaternary Ammonium Salt
Quaternary Ammonium Salt is a weak cationic softening agent with anti‐static effect. It is
recommended for synthetics like polyester, acrylic, acetate, nylon and their blends. It is
excellent for laundry washing fastness
The advantages of Quaternary Ammonium Salt are
• It is pump able, pour able, low viscosity softener in emulsion form
• Can be applied in both exhaust and padding processes
• It is compatible with silicone and non‐ionic products used in finishing formulation
• Improves the lubricancy of the fibers and facilitates further processing of the goods
• Imparts a very soft, smooth handle to the goods
• It imparts good touch and elasticity like wool for acrylic and its blend
• It has no influence on dyeing fastness
• It poses no yellowing problem to white goods.
Properties
Appearance Milky liquid
Composition Polyamide derivative
Ionicity Weak cationic
pH (1% solution) 5.0 ± 0.5
Solubility Soluble in water in any proportion
Application pH range 4 ‐ 7
Application temperature
range
60°‐70C°

Stability in
Hard water   Good
Acids Good
Alkali Good

Compatibility with
Non‐ionic surfactant   Generally very good
Anionic surfactant   Not compatible
Silicone softener   Good
Optical brightener   Not good

Application Methods
Quaternary Ammonium Salt can be applied by exhaust as well as by padding method:

a) Exhaust application

Quaternary Ammonium Salt 0.5 ‐ 2%
M:LR ratio 1:10
Temperature 45° ‐ 50°C
pH 4 ‐ 5
Time 20 ‐ 30 min.

(B) Application on Knit fabric

Quaternary Ammonium Salt 1 ‐ 2%
M:LR Ratio 1:10
Temperature 45°‐50°C
pH 4 ‐ 5
Time 20 ‐ 30 min.

(C) Softening of garment (Washwheel)

Quaternary Ammonium Salt 0.5 ‐ 2%
pH 4‐5
Time 20 ‐ 30 min.

(D)Padding Application

Quaternary Ammonium Salt 20 ‐ 30 g/l
pH 4 ‐ 5

Storage & handling precautions
• Store in cool place
• Avoid storing in direct sunlight.
• Quaternary Ammonium Salt should be stored at ambient temperatures.
• The shelf life of Quaternary Ammonium Salt is one year.
• The usual precaution in keeping chemicals away from eyes and skin should be
observe
3.0.8.1 Imidazolines
Imidazolines is a cold water soluble cationic softener and hence, it is excellently suitable for
cotton, t/c knitted blend fabrics. It is also suitable for resin processing industry. It imparts
very good hand feeling and antistatic properties. Because of its low‐yellowing specific
characteristic, it is very well suited for blue and white jeans laundry or stone‐washing.

Advantages
• Readily soluble in cold water
• No problem of yellowing on heating
• On synthetics, it provides silk‐like handle
• It does not alter dye fastness
• Non‐irritant on human skin
• Well suited for cheese dyeing process.
Properties
Appearance Milky white paste
Ionicity Cationic
pH (2% solution) 4.5 ± 1
Chemical nature Polyamine derivatives
Solubility Soluble in cold water
Solid content 28%

Stability
Hard water Good
Acids Good
Alkalis Good

Compatibility with
Non‐ionic surfactant Generally very good
Anionic surfactant Not compatible
Optical brightener Not good

Application Methods
Imidazolines can be applied by exhaust as well as by padding method.
Exhaust method

(a) Post conditioning of acrylic yarn especially in the final rinse of yarn dyeing m/c:
Imidazolines 0.5 ‐ 2% (owf)
M:L Ration 1:10
pH 4 ‐ 5
Time 20 ‐ 30 min

(b) Application on Knitted fabric:
Imidazolines 1‐2% (owf)
M:L Ration 1:10
pH 4 ‐ 5
Time 20 ‐ 30 min

(c) Softening of garment (Washwheel):
Imidazolines 1 ‐ 2% (owg)
M:L Ration 1:10
pH 4 ‐ 5
Time 20 ‐ 30 min

Padding method
Imidazolines 20 ‐ 30 g/l
pH 4 ‐ 5

Storage & Handling Precautions
• Avoid storing in direct sunlight
• The shelf life of Imidazolines is one year if stored properly
• The usual storage, handling, usage and safety precautions should be observed
3.0.8.2 Ndimethyl ammonium chloride
N‐dimethyl ammonium chloride Flake is an excellent cationic softener, cold water rapid
soluble for cotton, terry cotton knitted blend fabrics, and for resin processing industry. It
has a very good hand feeling and antistatic properties. Because of its low‐yellowing specific
characteristic, it is very suitable for blue and white jeans laundry or stone‐washing
processing.
Characteristics

Appearance Light yellowing white flake
Ionic Cationic
pH 2% solution 4.5 ± 1
Content Polyamine derivatives
Solubility Soluble in cold water

Advantages
• In case it is used for synthetics provides silk‐like handling.
• Ndimethyl ammonium chloride Flakes treated febric garments dose not get
yellowing.
• Almost no influence on dyes fastness.
• It can be rapidly soluble in cold water; its solution is very soluble.
• Non‐irritant on human skin.
• It is very suitable for cheese dyeing process.
Application
• Put 10kg Ndimethyl ammonium chloride Flakes into water at more than 25°C
about 30 ‐ 60 min and mix until it's completely dissolved.
• After completely dissolved, please filter it before packed.
• Using quantity suggestion: based on 10% solution 1.5% (owf)
3.0.8.3 N distearylN
[[
N‐ distearyl‐N Flakes is a warm water soluble cationic softener and hence, it is excellently
suitable for cotton, terry cotton knitted blend fabrics. It is also suitable for resin processing
industry. It imparts very good hand feeling and antistatic properties. Because of its low‐
yellowing specific characteristic, it is very well suited for blue and white jeans laundry or
stone‐washing.

Advantages
• Readily soluble in warm water
• No problem of yellowing on heating
• On synthetics, it provides silk‐like handle
• It does not alter dye fastness
• Non‐irritant on human skin
• Well suited for cheese dyeing process

Properties
Appearance Solid light yellow flakes
Ionicity   Cationic
pH (2% sol) 4.8
Chemical
nature
Fatty acid amide
Solubility in
water
Readily soluble in warm water

Guideline
For making Catasoft solution using N distearylN Flakes
• Add 10 kg of N distearylN Flakes into 100 litre of water for 10% active content.
The addition should be carried out at above 60°‐70° C for 30‐60 min with constant
stirring for a complete dissolution.
• After complete dissolution is ensured, please filter it before packing.
• Recommended dosage from the 10% N distearylN Flakes solution is 1.5% on the
weight of fibre (owf)
• The usual precautions in keeping chemicals away from eyes and skin should be
observed
3.0.8.4 Concentrated cationic softener
[[
Concentrated cationic softener is a cationic softener which is not diluted from the flakes or
cake but formulated to achieve limpy and elastomeric finish. It can be used for cotton,
polyester/cotton fabrics. It has a very good hand feeling and anti‐static properties. Because
of its low‐yellowing specific character, it is very suitable for garment processing of blue and
white jeans.

Advantages
• It is pump able, pourable, low viscosity softener in emulsion form

• It is compatible with silicone and cationic products used in finishing formulation
• It has no influence on dyeing fastness.
• Does not yellow when treated fibers are heated
• Does not influence dye fastness
• Does not irritate human skin.
• Suitable for cheese dyeing process.
• Keep fabric low‐ yellowing,
• Provides bulky and heavy feel
• Neutral pH
Properties
Appearance White paste
Composition Ethylene oxide condense product
Ionicity Cationic
pH (1% solution) 7 ± 1
pH 5 ‐ 8

Stability

Hard water   Good
Acids Good
Alkalies Good

Compatibility

Non‐ionic surfactant   Good
Anionic surfactant   Good
Optical brightener   Good

Application Methods
Concentrated cationic softener can be applied by exhaust as well as padding method:
Exhaust application
(A) Post softening of yarn especially in the final rinse of yarn dyeing m/c:
Concentrated cationic softener 0.5 ‐ 2% (owy)
M:L ratio   1:10
pH 5 ‐ 8
Time 20 ‐ 30 min

(B)Application on knitted
Concentrated cationic softener 1 ‐ 2% (owf)
M:L R 1 : 10
Temperature 45 ‐ 50°C
pH 5 ‐ 8
Time 20‐30 min.

(C) Softening of garment (Wash‐wheel)
Concentrated cationic softener 0.5 ‐ 2% (owg)
Temperature 45 ‐ 50°C
pH 4 ‐ 8
Time 20 ‐ 30 min

Padding application

Concentrated cationic softener 20 ‐ 30 g/l
pH 4 ‐ 5

Impregnate fabric at 70‐80% pick‐up, dry at 120° ‐ 140°C for 2‐3 min.

Storage & handling precautions
• Avoid storing in direct sunlight.
• It should be stored at ambient temperatures.
• The shelf life of concentrated cationic softener is one year.
The usual precaution in keeping chemicals away from eyes and skin should be
observed.
3.0.9 TRADE NAMES OF CATIONIC SOFTENING AGENT

Name of the Product Name of the Company

Auxisoftener K Auxuchem
Cirrasol CS ICI (indid) pvt. Ltd.
Arkoline HCS Hico Products pvt. Ltd
Katasoftener Ahura Chemical products pvt. Ltd.
Ciranine HS Sandoz(india) ltd.
Sarcamine GG/LG Gujchem Distillers India. Ltd
Katafin Associated Chemicals
Catafinish/HWN Chemox Industrial corpn.
Chemosine HCS/TAF/LW Chemox Industrial corpn.
Katon/SP The Mill Factors corpn.
Cason S Indoken ltd
Taffulon 320A DaiIchi Karkaria pvt. Ltd
Softnol Laxmi Chemical copn.
Katasol Kemicolor Indus.
Supermine GG/HC Supertex (india) copn.
Ashoka catosol Ashok Brothers
Texamyn FS Britex Industry
Finisoft M C.D. Corporation
Diotex AC Diamond Chemical copn.
Gehine KS Germochem Indus.

CHAPTER‐4


4.0 ANIONIC SOFTENER
Anionic softening agents are available in the form of off‐white thick paste, creamish viscous
paste, which can be diluted with hot water to gibe opalescent solutions. The hot solutions
can be diluted with water any temperature to the required concentration. Being anionic in
character, they are compatible with direct dyes, optical whitening agents, starches, glue,
gelatine, gums, resins, polyvinyl alcohol, blueing agents, etc and are stable to hard water,
dilute alkalies and dilute acids. They may be applied on cotton, viscose rayon, acetate rayon,
silk and nylon yarns to produce soft and supple finishes.
Solutions of the anionic softening agents can be prepared by pouring 20 times its weight of
boiling water with stirring and boiling for 5 to 10min. The solution may then be diluted with
water at the required temperature with good stirring. In he actual application, the textile
materials may be steeped in or padded with a solution of the anionic softening agent,
followed by hydro‐extracting or squeezing to remove the excess liquor and finally drying
without rinsing. The application may be carried out in a beck, winch, jigger, padding mangle
or package dyeing machine.
The concentrations of the softeners to be used depend upon the degree of softness required
and the nature of the yarn or fabric being treated. Generally, a concentration of 2 to 10 g/l of
the softener is suitable.
The softener may be applied as a lubricant to cotton fabrics, which are subsequently
subjected to the raising operation to get a dense and soft pile and the fabric gets a lofty
handle. The number of operations may be reduced when the lubricant is present. Initial
trials may be carried out by padding the cloth with a solution containing 10g/l of the
softener at 50°c to 60°c followed by drying on a cylinder drying range or any other. Addition
of 5g/l of glycerin to the pad‐bath is advantageous in dry climates.
Anionic softening agent can be used as a processing agent for rayon filament yarn and staple
fiber to impart a soft handle. During carding, drawing and spinning, it acts as a lubricant. It
may be applied as aqueous dispersions containing 2 to 5g/l of the softener by spraying or
circulating in a package dyeing machine at 45°c to 50c°


3.2 TRADE NAME OF ANIONIC SOFTENING AGENTS

Name of the product Name of the company

Auxisil XLHW Auxichem
Ashoka anosol XL350 Ashok Brothers
Arkoline/SSW Hico Products pvt. Ltd.
Ceramine PA Sandoz(india) ltd
Finish XLHW Ahura Chemical Products pvt. Ltd.
Finotes SL Laxmi chemical Corpn.
Lusil XLHW ICI(india) pvt. Ltd.
Sarluxol XL Gujchem distillers(india) ltd
shinol Kemicolor Industries
Ambusil XL Shri Ambuja Chemicals co.
Anionic finish Britex industries
Kemox Softener XL Chemox pvt. Ltd
Neofinish EXEL/XLH Chemox industrial copn.
DiofinishXL Diamond Chemicals corpn
Hinorgasil XL Hindustan Oraganic Products
Lustrol XLHW Indokem ltd.
Katon XL The Mill Factors copn.
Argolyn SW Modern chemical corpn.
Mycusil XL Mysore Chemical indus.
Nitcocil XL New India Traiding Copn.
Supersil XL Supertex India Corpn.
Ultrafil XL Ultra Color Copn.
Lusterool HW Shoorji Vallabhdas Colours


CHAPTER‐5

5.0 Silicone softeners
None‐ionic and cationic examples of silicone softeners are shown in Fig.‐3.They provide
very high softeners, special unique hand, high lubricity, good sewability, elastic resilience,
crease recovery, abrasion resistance and tear strength. They show good temperature
stability and durability, with high degree of permanence for those products that form cross
linked films and a range of properties from hydrophobic tohydrophilic.

Fig – 3. Chemical structures of typical silicone softeners.
5.1 Properties
• A new class of anionic softeners.
• Expensive
• It gives improved wrinkle recovery also.
• Initially polydimethyl siloxane(PDMS) was used as softener.
• Later amino functional Silicone softener was developed which gives high lubricity
with small proportions.
• It is more expensive.
• It gives an extremely soft hand.


Remarks: Silicone softener is found in market at emulsion form
5.2 Silicone emulsion is two types
• Micro emulsion
• Macro emulsion

5.2.1 Micro emulsion
• It is clear in appearance
• It’s particle size is less than 40 nm
• This emulsion gives inner softness as it penetrates into the fiber.

5.2.2 Macro emulsion
• It is milky in appearance
• It’s particle size is in the range between 150‐250 nm
• It gives surface softness as it covers the fiber.

5.3 Different Types of Softener
5.3.1 Polydimethyl Silicon
Polydimethyl Silicon is a highly concentrated silicone softener in gel form. It is made from
premium quality of silicone which gives excellent softness and surface smoothness to
garments and fabrics. It is highly exhaustible.

Advantages
• Imparts durable soft handle
• Imparts superior smooth feel
• Increases crease recovery
• Increases shade depth and brilliancy when used on dyed fabric/garments

Properties
Appearance Transparent liquid
Composition Blend of amino silicones and urethane
Ionicity Non‐ionic
pH (1% solution) 7.0 ± 1.0
Solubility Soluble in water
Application pH range 4.5‐5.5
Solid Content 42%

Application Methods

Polydimethyl Silicon can be applied by exhaust as well as by padding method.

Exhaust method

Polydimethyl Silicon 1‐4 % (owg)
pH 5 ‐ 5.5
Time 20 ‐ 30 min

Padding method

Polydimethyl Silicon 10‐40 g/l
pH 5 ‐ 5.5

• Store in cool place and avoid storing in direct sunlight
• The shelf life of Polydimethyl Silicon is two years under recommended storage
observed

5.3.2 Polydimethyl siloxane

Polydimethyl siloxane is a silicone softener in transparent gel form. It is made from
premium quality of silicone which gives excellent surface softness and bulk to garments and
fabrics with durable softness. It is highly exhaustible.

Advantages
• Imparts a bulky touch
• Imparts smooth feel
• Imparts crease recovery
• Increases shade depth and brilliancy when used on dyed fabrics/garments

Properties
Appearance Transparent Liquid
Solid content 80%
Inocity non – ionic
pH (1% solution) 7.0 ± 1.0

Application
Polydimethyl siloxane can be applied by exhaust as well as by padding method.

Exhaust method

Polydimethyl siloxane 1 ‐ 4 % (owg)
pH 5 ‐ 5.5
Time 20 ‐ 30 min

Padding method
Polydimethyl siloxane 10‐40 g/l
pH 5 ‐ 5.5

• Store in cool place, avoid storing in direct sunlight
• The shelf life of Polydimethyl siloxane is two years if stored properly
observed
5.3.3 Nonionic Silicon Softener
Non‐ionic Silicon Softener is an economical silicone softener in paste form. It gives excellent
limp and surface smoothness to garments and fabrics.

Advantages
• Imparts a soft touch
• Imparts smooth feel
• Imparts crease recovery

Properties

Appearance Transparent viscous liquid
pH (1% solution) 7.0 ± 1.0
Solid Content   70%

Application Methods
It should be pre‐diluted with water to 1:3 ratio. The diluted Non‐ionic Silicon Softener can
be applied by exhaust as well as by padding method.

Exhaust method
Nonionic Silicon Softener 3 ‐ 4 % (owg)
M:L ratio 1:1
pH   5 ‐ 55.5
Time   20‐30 min

Padding method
Nonionic Silicon Softener 20 ‐ 40 g/l
M:L ratio 1:1
pH 5 ‐ 5.5

• Store in cool place and avoid storing in direct sunlight.
• The shelf life of Non‐ionic Silicon Softener is one year if stored properly.
observed.

5.3.4 Nonionic polysiloxane with amino groups
Nonionic polysiloxane with amino groups is a highly concentrated silicone softener in gel
form. It is made from premium quality of silicone polymers, which gives excellent softness
and surface smoothness to garments and fabrics. It is highly exhaustible.

Advantages
• Imparts durable soft handle
• Imparts superior smooth feel
• Increases crease recovery

Properties
Appearance Transparent gel
pH (1% solution) 7.0 ± 1.0
Application pH range 4.5 ‐ 5.5

Application Methods

Nonionic polysiloxane with amino groups can be applied by exhaust as well as by padding
method.

Exhaust Method

Nonionic polysiloxane with amino groups 1 ‐ 4 % (owg)
pH   5 ‐ 5.5
Time 20 ‐ 30 min

Padding method
Nonionic polysiloxane with amino groups 10 ‐ 40 g/l
pH   5 ‐ 5.5

• The shelf life of Nonionic polysiloxane with amino groups is two years under
recommended storage
observed
5.3.5 Microemulsion with amino groups

Microemulsion with amino groups is a silicone softener in transparent liquid form. It is
made from superior quality silicone polymers, which gives excellent inner softness and
lumpy surface smoothness to garments and fabrics. It is highly exhaustible.

Advantages
• Imparts smooth feel to fabric
• Imparts crease recovery property

Properties

Appearance Transparent Liquid
Ionic Non‐ionic
Solid content 40%
pH (1% solution) 7.0 ± 1.0

Application Methods

Microemulsion with amino groups can be applied by exhaust as well as by padding method:

Exhaust application
Microemulsion with amino groups 0.5 ‐ 2 % (owg)
pH 5 ‐ 5.5
Time 20 ‐ 30 min

Padding application
Microemulsion with amino groups 5 ‐ 20 g/l
pH 5 ‐ 5.5

• The shelf life of Americos Nanosoft 950 I is two years if stored properly
observed
5.3.6 Aminofunctional polysiloxane

Aminofunctional polysiloxane is a special silicone softener in liquid form. It is made from
premium quality silicone and hence, it gives excellent softness, surface smoothness and
bulky and bouncy finish to the garments and fabrics. It can be applied by both exhaust and
padding method.

Advantages
• Imparts excellent softness to fabric and bulky & bouncy finish to the garments and
fabrics
• Imparts smooth feel to fabric
• Enhances crease recovery angle significantly
• Increases shade depth and brightness when used on dyed fabric/garments
• It provide excellent result to the white fabric
• It helps to retain back staining when applied on denim

Properties
Appearance Milky
pH (1%
solution)
7.0 ± 1.0
pH   4.5 ‐ 5.5
Solid
Content
40%

Application Methods

Aminofunctional polysiloxane can be applied by exhaust method as well as by padding
method.

Exhaust application
Aminofunctional polysiloxane 1‐4% (owg)
pH 5‐5.5
Time 20‐30 min

Padding application
Aminofunctional polysiloxane 10‐40 g/l
pH 5‐5.5
.
• The shelf life of Aminofunctional polysiloxane is two years.
• The usual precaution in keeping chemicals away from eyes and skin should be
observed.

5.3.7 Elastomer Silicones

Elastomer Silicones is a special softening agent which imparts leather like softness. It also
imparts good bulk along with soft hand. Since Elastomer Silicones is a nonionic based
product, it has a very good compatibility with other textile auxiliaries, and hence, it does not
cause any process troubles. Elastomer Silicones enhances crease recovery property and also
the tear strength markedly.

Advantages
• It imparts leather like bulky and soft hand
• It is compatible with silicone and cationic products used in finish formulation
• It does not influence dye fastness, rather it improves the color depth
• It does not modify typical fabric properties
• Increases the tear strength of the fabric substantially
• t can be effectively used on dyed garments
• Provides excellent surface smoothness

Properties
Appearance White liquid
Composition Special urethane type chemical compound

Application
The dosage requirement of Elastomer Silicones varies with the type of material and the
structural construction, but the recommended concentration is 1‐2 %.

• It Shoud be Stored at ambient temprature

observed
5.3.8 SYNTHOSILKY

Feature
• SYNTHOSILKY is a non yellowing amino silicone softener.
• SYNTHOSILKY imparts a rich soft feel other fabrics.
• SYNTHOSILKY gives durable finish to the fabrics

5.3.9 Other Silicon Softener
ZYSIL 1010 ‐ Silicon Softener for Good Hand feel
ZYSIL 1025 ‐ Silicon Softener for Better Hand feels.
ZYSIL 1035 ‐ Amino Silicon with Good Bouncing Properties
ZYSIL CONC ‐ Concentrated Silicon for High Soft & Silky Feel.
ZYSIL ULTRA ‐ Concentrated Amino Silicon with Bouncy Feel & Good Draping
Properties
ZYTAX ZHK ‐ Non‐Yellowing Non‐ Ionic and Hydrophilic Silicon for Cool Finish Suitable Both
for Full White & Dyed Fabrics
ZYTAX ZYN ‐ Non‐ Yellowing and Ionic Silicon Highly Suitable For Full White Materials
without Effective Shades.
ZYTAX ZPS ‐ Polymeric Softening Agent for High Soft Feel.

CHAPTER‐6

6.0 Nonionic softeners
Paraffin wax and fatty emulations are also included in non ionic softening agents, e.g. silicon
AFN. They are applied like anionic emulsions.
This group also includes
• polyglycol ethers,
• polyglycol esters and
• Other oxyethylation products.

Non‐ionic softening agents sometimes yield less satisfactory effects than cationic products.
However they are more versatile since their effectiveness is less dependent on the ph and
they are also virtually unaffected by hard water. Another advantage is their good resistance
to heat, and this is very important in resin finishing.
Amphoteric softening agents also belong here. They are weakly cationic in acid medium and
they exhibit nonionic properties from ph 7 onwards.
The silicon softening agents, e.g. silicon SI, should also be mentioned. They produce a
smooth, silky handle known as the silicon handle. These products are mainly used:
• in permanent press finishing,
• as smoothing agents for corduroys and velvets, and
• As thermally stable preparations for sewing threads of synthetic fibers.

The water repellent effects of silicon softening agents are only moderate. Polyethylene can
be modified by air oxidation in the melt at high pressure to add hydrophilic character
(mainly carboxylic acid group).Emulsification in the presence of alkali will provide higher
quality more stable products. They show high lubricity that is not durable to dry cleaning
they are stable to extreme pH conditions and heat at normal textile processing condition,
and compatible with most textile chemicals.


Fig.‐4. Chemical structures of typical Non‐ionic softeners.

6.1 Chemistry of nonionic softeners
(1) Fatty acid‐ethylene oxide condensates are the series of non‐ionic softener. These are
made either by reacting a number of ethylene oxide molecules with one molecule of
a fatty acid or by reacting a polyethylene glycol with the fatty acid:
C17H35COOH + nCH2 CH2 C17H35COO(CH2CH2O)nH
O
C17H35COOH + HO(CH2 C17H35COO(CH2CH2O)nHCH2 O)nH
C17H35COO(CH2CH2O)nH C17H35COOH
C17H35COO(CH2CH2O)n OC C17H35
+

These non‐ionic condensates contain a number of oxyethylene units as well as one or
two ester groups. Because of the pre4sence of ester groups, they are subject to

hydrolysis under strong acid or alkaline conditions. In this respect they are inferior to
fatty alcohol‐ethylene oxide condensates or alkyl phenol‐ethylene oxide condensates.
However, like the latter they are usually unaffected by electrolytes, dilute acids and
alkalies of moderate concentration.
A saturated fatty acid‐ethylene oxide condensate in the form of amber‐colored paste
(Berol MTX‐10) gives a faintly opalescent solution in warm water and is stable to hard
water, acids and alkalies of moderate concentrations. It is a softening agent.
(2) A recent method of making a non‐ionic softener involves the reaction of ethylene
oxide with a compound containing a hydrophobic chain as well as active hydrogen. A
fatty acid provides such an example:
R C OH + nCH2 CH2
O
O-
R COOH (CH2
CH2
O)nH

Fatty acid esters of this type are used as softeners. For this purpose water‐soluble or
water‐dispersible glycol or polyglycol esters of fatty acids (saturated) like palmitic or
stearic acid is most suitable. These have additional properties of a lubricant as well as an
antistat.

(3) Fatty acid alkanolamides are softeners as well. Thus ultramarine softener SS of Ultra
Chemicals is a slightly alkaline cream‐colored paste containing the reaction product
of stearic acid and mono‐ethanolamine:

C17H35COOH+H2N2CH2CH2OH
C17H35CONHCH2CH2OH
Under acidic conditions, it acquires cationic properties. It is dispersible in water at
almost any pH and the resulting dispersions are unaffected by acids, alkalies and low
concentrations of electrolytes. It is fairly substantive to textile fibers. It does not discolor
white fabric when the treated fabrics are dried at high temperatures and does not
materially affect either the tone or the light fastness of dyeing and prints

(4) Sorbitan mono‐laurate, sorbitan mono‐palmitate, sorbitan mono‐stearate, sorbitan‐
tri stearate, sorbitan mono‐oleate, sorbitan trioleate etc are chief commercial
products in the Span series. Since commercial fatty acids themselves are mixtures of
different acids and since it is difficult to form mono‐esters, the final products are
complex mixtures. They are excellent softeners.


(5) Water‐dispersible non‐ionic are used for producing water‐in‐oil and oil‐in‐water
emulsions and are recommended for oiling textile fibers for spinning and sizing
additions to foaming agents, softeners and detergents. Esters of sorbitol, sorbitan,
mannitan and esters of polyethylene glycol contain 4‐5 oxyethylene groups. They
are softeners and emulsifiers.

6.2 How to use
Non‐ionic softeners are available in the form of cream colored pastes and described as
polyoxyethoxylated derivative, long chain, high melting fatty ester of polyglycol etc and are
soluble in water. Being nonionic in nature, it is compatible with cationic and anionic
products as well as with starch, dextrin, glue, cross linking reagents, etc. The paste has
excellent storage stability and develops color , odour and alkalies. It is a non‐yellowing type
of softener for cotton and synthetic fiber or fabrics. It imparts a soft, smooth handle to the
goods and can be applied along with optical brighteners.
The paste may be diluted with ten times its weight of hot water (50°c) with constant
stirring. Stock solutions containing up to 100g/l of the product can be prepared. However
these concentrated solutions become viscous when cooled, but thin down on warming prior
to use. It does not lose its softening efficiency by cooling.
The nonionic softener may be applied on fabric by padding or the exhaustion technique. In
the exhaustion method, the goods may be treated in a jigger or a winch or in yarn dyeing
machine at 30°c to 40°c temperature for 15 to 20min, using a bath containing 2 to 3g/l of
the softener. Better exhaustion of the bath hence better utilization of the softener can be
achieved by adding 0.5 to 1g/l of 40% acetic acid to the treating bath. In the jigger
application method, the softener concentration may be increased to 5 to 10g/l, while in
padding; it should be 10 to 30g/l.
Whenever stripping is necessary due to faulty or uneven application, the softener may be
stripped by working in a bath containing 10g/l soda ash at 60°c to 80°c for 30 to 60 min.
6.3 Advantages
• Non ionic softeners offer excellent compatibility in resin baths
• They are easy to mix into a formulation
• They have little or no effect on the shade of dyestuff.
• As they do not have significant charge they must be applied by padding.
• Example of compounds which are used to make non ionic softeners are‐
polyethylenes and ethoxylated compound.

6.4 Disadvantage
Most versatile products are sparingly soluble in hot water and in many concentrated
electrolyte solutions
• Quick rinsing and lack of affinity to fibers make the non‐ionic softeners purely of a
temporary nature.
• They cause too much foaming.
6.5 Different Types of Non –ionic Softener
6.5.0 Polyethylene
Polyethylene is a non‐ionic softener which is not diluted from the flakes or cake but
formulated to achieve bulky, bouncy and elastomeric finish. It can be used for cotton,
polyester/cotton fabrics. It has a very good hand feeling and anti‐static properties. Because
of its low‐yellowing specific character, it is very suitable for garment processing of blue and
white jeans

Advantages
• It is compatible with silicone and cationic products used in finish formulation
• It has no influence on dyeing fastness
• Does not yellow when treated fibers are heated
• Does not irritate human skin.
• Imparts very good handle and soft feeling
• Provides bulky and heavy feel
• Does not cause fabric yellowing
• Can be applied Neutral pH
Properties
Appearance White paste
Composition Ethylene oxide condense product
pH (1% solution) 7 ± 1
Solubility Soluble under stirring
pH 7

Compatibility with
Non‐ionic surfactant   Good
Anionic surfactant   Good

Application Methods

Polyethylene can be applied by exhaust as well as padding method

Exhaust application
Polyethylene 0.5‐2% (owy)
M:L ratio   1:10
pH 7
Time 20‐‐30 min

Application on knitted goods
Polyethylene 1‐2%
M:L ratio 1:10
pH 7
Time 20‐30 min.

Softening of garment (Washwheel)

Polyethylene 1‐2%
pH 7
Time 20‐30 min.

Report on Softener

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