Effect of Silicone Nano,Nano/Micro and Nano/Macro‐Emulsion Softeners on Color Yield and Physical Characteristics of Dyed Cotton Fabric

The study of silicone nano‐emulsions and softeners to alter physical properties of undyed cotton fabric has recently gained a substantial interest. However, systematic investigation of silicon nano‐emulsion softeners on dyed cotton fabric has not so far been conducted. This paper deals with the application of silicone nano‐, micro‐, and macro‐emulsion softeners, and combinations of nano/micro and nano/macro, on dyed cotton fabric. We report the effect of silicon nano/micro‐ and nano/macro‐emulsion softeners on color yield and physical characteristics of dyed cotton fabric. All bleached fabrics were dyed with CI Reactive Black 5 and then treated with known concentrations of silicone softeners by the pad‐dry method. The silicone nano‐emulsion was combined with micro‐ and macro‐emulsion softeners using blending ratios of nano/micro (1:1) and nano/macro (1:1). Treated fabrics were compared in terms of physical properties such as fabric handling, wrinkle recovery angle, bending length, abrasion resistance and tensile strength. The color changes were evaluated by color yield (K/S) values and total color difference (ΔE_cmc). The results revealed that the silicon nano‐emulsion had better physical properties than micro‐, macro‐ and combination nano/micro‐ and nano/macro‐emulsion softeners. Among all treated samples, nano‐emulsion softeners showed better ΔE_cmc values. Scanning electron microscopy analysis suggests that the fiber morphology of treated fabrics was very smooth and uniform.     

Elucidation of Softening Mechanism in Rinse Cycle Fabric Softeners. Part 1: Effect of Hydrogen Bonding

Most softening agents, such as rinse cycle fabric softeners, used by consumers at home contain cationic surfactants that have two long alkyl chains as their main component. The softening mechanism on fibers, especially cotton, has not yet been scientifically established, despite the market prevalence of fabric softeners for decades. One explanation for the softening effect is that the friction between fibers is reduced. According to this explanation, the fiber surfaces are coated by layers of alkyl chains. Because of the low coefficient of friction between alkyl chain layers of low surface energy, the fibers easily slide against one another yielding softer cotton clothing. However, no direct scientific evidence exists to prove the validity of this explanation. The softening mechanism of cotton yarn is discussed in this paper. Bending force values of cotton yarn treated with several concentrations of softener are measured by bend testing, and cotton and polyester yarns are compared. Results indicate that increases in cotton yarn hardness after natural drying are caused by cross‐linking among inner fibers aided by bound water. This type of bound water has been known to exist even after 2 days of drying at 25 °C and 60 % relative humidity. Yarn dried in vacuo is soft, similar to that treated with softener. Thus, some of the softening effect caused by fabric softeners on cotton can be attributed to the prevention of cross‐linking by bound water between cotton fibers.     

Development of Nanoemulsion of Silicone Oil and Pine Oil Using Binary Surfactant System for Textile Finishing

Nanoemulsions of silicone oil and pine oil using a binary surfactant system were prepared. Silicone oil and pine oil were used to achieve softness and mosquito repellency and antibacterial activity respectively when the nanoemulsion was applied on the fabric. A silicone surfactant (AG-pt) and a hydrocarbon surfactant (TDA-6) were used in different proportions to obtain stable nanoemulsions at the lowest possible droplet size. The various emulsification process variables such as ratio of hydrocarbon to silicone surfactant, surfactant concentration, ratio of silicone oil to pine oil, oil weight fraction and sonication time have been studied. The optimal variables include the ratio of hydrocarbon to silicone surfactant of 80:20, surfactant concentration of 8%, ratio of silicone oil to pine oil of 80:20, oil weight fraction of 20% and 15 min of sonication time at 40% of the applied power. Nanoemulsions were found to be very stable with emulsion droplet size around 41 nm. In order to compare different emulsification techniques, emulsions were also prepared using the conventional method. Emulsions analyzed using SEM showed spherical droplets ranging from 40 to 120 nm. Atomic force microscopy was used to evaluate the bounciness, fluffiness and softness of fabric. From this study, it was found that stable nanoemulsion with a lowest possible droplet size of silicone and pine oil could be prepared by ultrasonic emulsification technique in order to deliver multiple properties when applied to fabric.     

Preparation and application of ultrahigh‐pressure‐homogenised aminosilicon‐based softeners

Five different aminosilicon‐based softeners were prepared by ultrahigh‐pressure homogenisation, and changes in their particle sizes and spectroscopic properties were investigated. Moreover, the yellowing characteristics and mechanical properties of cotton fabrics treated with the homogenised softeners were determined. Homogenisation significantly decreased the average particle sizes and particle size distribution without destroying the micelles. In particular, from the results on changes in the whiteness and yellowness of a cotton fabric treated with a silicon‐based softener, it was confirmed that homogenisation suppresses the yellowing of the fabrics.     

Investigation on decontamination mechanism of moisture-wicking fabrics during home laundry

Moisture-wicking clothes are widely consumed in various leisure or sports activities due to their function of moisture absorption and perspiration, which can provide consumers with a good comfortable experience. In this investigation, the stain removal performance of moisture-wicking fabric was investigated, especially the influence of surfactants and hydrophilic finishing agents on its decontamination ability. The results show that moisture-wicking fabric has better decontamination performance than ordinary polyester fabric. The binding force between stains and fibers is calculated by density functional theory (DFT). Compared with ordinary polyester fabric, the binding energy between moisture-wicking fabric and sebum is lower, resulting in stain is more easily to be removed during washing. Different surfactants have a great influence on the decontamination of fabrics, among which the nonionic surfactants with longer carbon chains have the best decontamination performance. Moreover, after finishing with hydrophilic silicone agent, the hydrophilicity of the fabric is significantly improved, and its decontamination performance is also improved. However, this hydrophilic silicone agent will be gradually removed in the subsequent washing process, especially after the first washing, the removal rate reached 75.70%. Therefore, hydrophilic silicone agent can be supplemented in detergent formulation to improve the stain removal performance of moisture-wicking cloths during home laundry.     

The Influence of Silicone Softeners on Fabric Stain Removal and Whiteness Maintenance During Home Laundry

The influence of silicone softeners applied in textile mills on fabric stain removal and whiteness maintenance during home laundry are investigated using amino and polyether silicones. It is observed that fabrics treated with amino silicones have reduced stain removal performance. On the other hand, fabrics treated with polyether silicones have improved performance over both amino silicones treated and untreated fabrics. In general, amino silicones reduce the fabric whiteness because they influence the intensity of textile brightener and its maximum emission wavelength. With analysis of fabric surface energy, Si content, wash fastness and silicone–stain interaction, the influence of the silicone on the performance of fabric stain removal can be concluded as follows: (1) the higher the surface energy of fabric treated with silicone, the better is the fabric stain removal; (2) cationic charges of amino silicones create a strong interaction between silicones and stains, leading to poor stain removal index; (3) due to silicone–stain interaction, stains may be washed away with silicone on the fabric surface. Therefore, poor silicone wash fastness may lead to better fabric stain removal.     

KH550改性水性聚氨酯的制备及应用研究

以异佛尔酮二异氰酸酯(IPDI)和聚酯多元醇218为预聚原料、2,2-二羟甲基丙酸(DMPA)为亲水性扩链剂、三羟甲基丙烷(TMP)为交联剂、三乙胺(TEA)为中和剂、γ-氨丙基三乙氧基硅烷(KH 550)为改性剂,制得有机硅改性水性聚氨酯(WPU-Si);并将其用作纯棉及涤/棉机织物的涂料印花耐摩擦色牢度提升剂。研究了KH 550用量对乳胶粒粒径及胶膜吸水率、拉伸强度和拉断伸长率的影响;通过FT-IR分析对其结构进行了表征,利用SEM对整理后织物的表面形态进行了表征。结果表明,KH 550较佳的质量分数为3%。将WPU-Si应用在机织物的涂料印花中,对于纯棉织物,当WPU-Si质量分数为6%时耐干、湿摩擦色牢度最佳;对于涤/棉织物,当WPU-Si质量分数为5%时耐干、湿摩擦色牢度最佳;通过SEM照片表明纤维空隙之间及织物表面明显均有胶膜的存在,纤维与纤维之间存在明显的粘连,说明整理剂成功附着于纤维和织物的表面,达到了整理的目的。     

Study of the Influence of Gemini Cationic Surfactants on the Dyeing and Fastness Properties of Polyester Fabrics Using Naphthalimide Dyes

In this paper, the dyeing and fastness properties of three monoazo naphthalimide dyes including different imide groups (dye 1: ethyl amine, dye 2: ethyl glycinate and dye 3: glycine) on a polyester fabric were investigated in the presence of two gemini cationic surfactants (symbolized as 12‐4‐12 or 14‐4‐14) and a conventional single chain surfactant, dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB). The color strength (K/S) of naphthalimide dyes on polyester fabric was measured through the reflectance spectrophotometric method, and the values obtained in the presence of different cationic surfactants increased in the order of dye 3 < dye 2 < dye 1. Although the K/S values indicated that the gemini cationic surfactants had almost no effect on the dyeing behavior of dye 1, but they were effective in dyeing ability of dye 2 and dye 3. The data for dye 2 demonstrated that build up of polyester fabrics in the presence of gemini surfactants are more than the conventional cationic surfactant, and also K/S values of dye 3 on polyester fabrics were in the order: DTAB > 12‐4‐12 > 14‐4‐14. It was found that the washing and rubbing fastness properties improved with increasing the concentration of surfactants. In addition, the sublimation fastness of dye 3 was more than the other dyes owing to the presence of a polar group in its chemical structure, and the light fastness of naphthalimide dyes on polyester fabrics was generally moderate.     

Effect of nonionic surfactant and heat on selected properties of polyester

The effect of heat treatment in the presence and absence of a nonionic surfactant (Triton X-100) on selected properties of polyester fabric was studied over the temperature range 180–220°C. Although significant heat-induced area shrinkage was evident (4.9–9.5%) in the treated polyester fabrics, stiffness, wrinkle recovery, tensile properties, moisture regain, and density of the fabrics showed only slight changes. The moisture-related properties of surfactant/heat-treated polyester were greatly improved compared to untreated control polyester or polyester subjected to heat treatment alone. Oligomer formation on the surface of surfactant-treated polyester was altered as a result of the presence of surfactant on heating compared to polyester heated alone at 180–220°C. Polyester heat treated in the presence and absence of surfactant showed increased dye uptake and more depth of color with 1,4-substituted anthraquinone dyes than untreated polyester, and these effects increased with increasing treatment temperature.     

织物柔软剂的发展趋势

综述了家用织物柔软剂用阳离子表面活性剂的发展过程和各种阳离子表面活性剂的性能特点。利用各种阳离子表面活性剂性能上的优缺点, 可以复配出具有一定性能特点的织物柔软剂。同时也介绍了家用织物柔软剂的３ 种主要产品型式的配制和使用性能的优缺点, 展望了织物柔软剂的发展趋势     

The adsorption behavior of dialkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride-nonionic surfactant binary systems

From the practical standpoint of fabric softener formulation, a comparative study was made on adsorption behavior toward fabrics of binary systems consisting of di(hydrogenated tallow) dimethyl ammonium chloride (purified Arquad 2HT) and typical polyoxyethylenated nonionic surfactants which are commonly used as auxiliary agents for softeners. Soxhlet extraction of treated fabrics and quantitative analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) gave significant results indicating many of these nonionic surfactants, assumed to be inherently unadsorbable in rinse-cycle treatment, were highly adsorbable even at a high bath ratio by being applied with the water-insoluble cationic surfactant. Moreover, it was also disclosed that the hydrophobic structure of nonionic surfactants is another factor, other than hydrophobicity, determining adsorption. Furthermore, the mechanism of this nonionic adsorption was elucidated on the basis of results of structural analyses of binary dispersions by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction, electron spin resonance spectroscopy (ESR) and transmission electromicroscopy (TEM) in addition to partition measurements of the surfactants into the dispersed and the continuous aqueous phases. It was concluded that the primary driving force for this nonionic adsorption is an association with the lamellar of Arquad 2HT and that the cationic vesicles act as “anchors” in adsorption.     

Application of polyurethane/citric acid/silicone softener composite on cotton/polyester knitted fabric producing durable soft and smooth surface

Application of softeners on fabrics can usually increase the fabric pilling tendency and it is difficult to obtain a soft handle fabric without pilling during wearing. This research was conducted to use various chemicals to reduce pilling with reasonable softness on the cotton/polyester knitted fabric. Diverse composites of the water‐based polyurethane resin (PU), citric acid (CA) as a crosslinking agent and silicone‐based softener were selected and applied on the fabric through conventional pad‐dry‐cure method. The characteristics of the treated fabrics including pilling rate, pilling density, water droplet adsorption time, bending length, crease recovery angle, tensile strength, and water contact angle were examined and reported. Application of the polyurethane resin along with citric acid reduced the fabric pilling. However, co‐application of resin, CA, and softener improved the fabric crease recovery angle, bending length, and water droplet adsorption time. The preferred formulation was 20 g L^?1 CA, 25 g L^?1PU resin, and 20 g L^?1 silicone softener. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Flame resistant cotton fabrics prepared by radiation-initiated polymerization with vinyl phosphonate oligomer and N-methylolacrylamide

Radiation-initiated polymerization of vinyl phosphonate oligomer (molecular weight 500–1000) and N-methylolacrylamide from aqueous solutions was investigated with cotton printcloth, flanelette, and sateen fabrics and with cotton (50%)–polyester (50%) flannelette fabrics. Determinations were made of the effects of radiation dosage, mole ratio of vinyl phosphonate in the oligomer to N-methylolacrylamide in aqueous solution, concentration of reactants, wet pickup of solutions on fabrics, and irradiation of both dry and wet fabrics on efficiency of conversion of oligomer and monomer in solution to polymer add-on. The effects of vinyl phosphonate oligomer and N-methylolacrylamide radiation-initiated polymerization on some of the textile properties of cotton printcloth and on flame resistances of cotton and cotton–polyester fabrics were evaluated. The breaking strength of modified cotton printcloth was about the same as that of unmodified fabric; however, the tearing strength and flex abrasion resistance of modified fabric were reduced. The textile hand of the modified printcloth fabrics that had flame resistance indicated: interaction between cellulose and vinyl phosphonate oligomer–poly(N-methylolacrylamide) and uniform deposition in the fibrous cross section (transmission electron microscopy); surface areas of heavy deposits of oligomer–polymer (scanning electron microscopy); and phosphorus located throughout the fibrous cross section (energy dispersive x-ray analysis). Polymerization of vinyl phosphonate oligomer and N-methylolacrylamide was radiation initiated with cotton–polyester fabric; however, this modified fabric did not have flame-resistant properties.     

Antibacterial Cotton Fabrics Coated by Biodegradable Cationic Silicone Softeners

A series of ester-containing cationic silicone softeners with different alkyl chain lengths were successfully synthesized to manufacture antibacterial cotton fabrics. The relationship between the molecular structure and the softener's mechanical and physical properties was investigated. This study demonstrated that the fabrics treated with SiQC_nCl softeners bearing short alkyl chains (n = 9, 11, and 13) showed better instantaneous hydrophilicity, close to that of a pristine cotton fabric. However, the SiQC₁₇Cl-treated fabrics with long alkyl chains showed the best softness, exceeding that achieved with the conventional finishing agent D1821. And the whiteness index of the fabrics decreased with the use of longer fabric finishing times, with the SiQC₁₅Cl-treated fabrics exhibiting the highest whiteness index. Moreover, it was also found that SiQC_nCl-treated fabrics showed higher antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus than Escherichia coli, with the SiQC₁₃Cl-treated fabrics exhibiting the best antibacterial activity. In addition, a model depicting the antibacterial action of the prepared fabrics was illustrated. Finally, it was discovered that the synthesized ester-containing cationic silicone softener showed better primary biodegradability than D1821 and DC-5700, exceeding 80% after a 120-h degradation.     

Coating of macroemulsion and microemulsion silicones on poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibers: Evaluation of the thermal properties and flammability

Silicone softeners are widely used in the textile industry to improve the soft handling and aesthetic feel of textiles. These compounds can influence the thermal characteristics and flammability of polyester fabrics, which need to be addressed as important issues of human safety. To do this, the thermal degradation and flammability of macroemulsion and microemulsion silicone coated polyester fibers were studied with various analytical techniques, namely, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamical mechanical thermal analysis, and limited oxygen index testing. It has been stated that the electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions of silicone emulsions with polyester can affect their thermal stability. On the other hand, the silicone emulsions present on the surface of poly(ethylene terephthalate) provide a three-dimensional scaffold, which produces faster combustion than pyrolysis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Mechanistic Studies of Particulate Soil Detergency: I. Hydrophobic Soil Removal

The mechanism of particulate soil detergency using aqueous surfactant systems is not well understood. In this research, carbon black (model hydrophobic soil) removal from a hydrophilic (cotton) and hydrophobic (polyester) fabric is studied using anionic, nonionic, and cationic surfactants. The zeta potential, solid/liquid spreading pressure, contact angle and surfactant adsorption of both soil and fabric are correlated to detergency over a range of surfactant concentrations and pH levels. Electrostatic repulsion between fabric and soil is generally found to be the dominant mechanism responsible for soil removal for all surfactants and fabrics. Steric effects due to surfactant adsorption are also important for nonionic surfactants for soil detachment and antiredeposition. Solid/liquid interfacial tension reduction due to surfactant adsorption also aids in detergency in cationic surfactant systems. Wettability is not seen as being an important factor and SEM photos show that entrapment of soil in the fabric weave is not significant; the particles are only attached to the fabric surface. Anionic surfactants perform best, then nonionic surfactants. Cationic surfactants exhibit poor detergency which is attributed to low surfactant rinseability.     

CO系列有机硅柔软剂研制及应用

研制了ＣＯ系列有机硅柔软剂，并对其一般性能进行了表征；用其对全棉色织物及三维卷曲涤纶短纤维进行柔软整理，并与进口柔软剂作了比较，表明ＣＯ系列柔软剂有较好的应用前景。     

Electron spectroscopy for chemical analyses (ESCA)—A tool for studying treated textiles

Electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) has been successfully used to determine the location of flame-retardant polymers or reagents and crosslinking and oil/water-repellent reagents in relation to fiber surfaces of chemically modified cotton fabrics and cotton/polyester blends. Changes in intensity of characteristic ESCA element signals were followed as the particle size of the treated fabric varied. Dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU) and the flame-retardant polymer formed from tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride (Thpc) and urea penetrate and are homogeneously deposited throughout cotton fabrics. The oil/water-repellent finish, FC-218, and the flame retardants from the THPOH/NH₃ reaction and tris(dibromopropyl) phosphate are deposited on the surfaces of both cotton and polyester fibers.     

Effect of different softeners and sanforising treatment on pilling performance of polyester/viscose blended fabrics

An 80:20 polyester/viscose blended woven fabric was subjected to different softening and sanforising treatments. The effect of different softeners and sanforising treatments on the pilling propensity of the fabric was investigated. It was found that, while some types of softeners had no effect on pilling, the others may result in extreme deterioration of the pilling performance of polyester/viscose blended fabrics. It was further found that, in all cases, sanforising after softening adversely affects the fabric pilling performance.     

Structure and properties of hemp fabric treated with chitosan and dyed with mixed epoxy‐modified silicone oil

To enhance the color yield and improve the soft handle, hemp fabrics were treated with chitosan of molecular weight 4200 and degree of deacetylation 0.90, and then dyed using Remazol Brillant Blue R with mixed epoxy‐modified silicone oil in different volume ratios. The structural changes in hemp fibers were investigated by means of scanning electron microscope, FTIR, TG, DSC, and XRD. The properties of tensile, bending, dyeing, and color fastness for hemp fabric were also studied. The results showed that when compared with the untreated hemp fiber, the thermal performance of chitosan/silicone oil‐modified hemp fiber changed and the percent residual weight increased in the range of temperature 25–550°C. The crystal grain size decreased and the degree of crystallization increased. For chitosan/silicone oil‐treated hemp fabric, the flexural stiffness and tensile properties degraded. The maximum color yield (K/S value) was obtained when the volume ratio of dyeing liquor to silicone oil was 2 : 1. The color fastnesses to rubbing and wet scrubbing were also improved. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009