Requirements

Softeners are broadly used in textile finishing to provide the textile goods with a specific hand or softness (soft fluffy-dry, smooth or greasy). Negative effects of common softeners on fabric properties are mainly reduced water absorbency and yellowing. Hydrophilicity, non-yellowing and softness can be achieved by selection of specific surfactants whose performance is pre-determined by the chemical structure of its raw materials. Further beneficial properties for softeners are certain antistatic properties and the slip effect, based on lubrication which reduces fiber to fiber and fiber to metal friction. These properties are important for the processing in textile mills.

Softeners are applied by padding or the exhaust method, depending on the technology on the site. Softeners which are applied by padding are mainly non-substantive, while softeners applied by the exhaust method, per definition, must be substantive. Softeners are mainly applied from aqueous emulsions, microemulsions or dispersions. The particle size is crucial for the stability and performance of the finished textile auxiliaries.

Since it is almost impossible to cover all requirements with one type of surfactant (OMS or organic quaternary), premium softeners can be formulated by use of synergistic combinations of OMS, organic quaternaries and emulsifiers/compatibilizers/solvatropes.

Requirements for Softeners

• High softening performance (soft fluffy-dry, smooth or greasy hand)
• Hydrophilic or hydrophobic character
• Non-yellowing
• Antistatic effect
• Substantivity or non-substantivity
• Lubrication
• Emulsion stability