The Effects of Softeners on the Properties of Sulfur-Dyed Cotton Fibers

The processing of textiles to achieve a particular handle is one of the most important aspects of finishing technology. Softeners can improve some properties of textiles, depending on the chemical nature, including soft handle, smoothness, elasticity, hydrophilic, antistatic and soil release properties. They can affect the color and fastness of the dyed textile. In this research project, cotton fabrics were first scoured with nonionic detergent and then dyed with four sulfur dyes of different structures. The colors of the dyed fabrics was yellow, bluish black and bright blue. The dyed fabrics were then treated with anionic, cationic, nonionic, micro and macro silicone softeners. Nonionic, micro and macro silicone softeners decreased the lightness (L*) of all sulfur-dyed samples while anionic and cationic softeners caused only a slight alteration in lightness. The a*, b* and c* values of most dyed samples showed a little change after treatment with softeners except for the color coordinates of the yellow samples, which increased. A considerable increase in the fk values for silicone softener-treated samples was obtained. The washing fastness properties of blue samples decreased while they remained unchanged for other samples. The light fastness properties decreased for all samples after treatment with softeners.

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.     

Preparation of silicone oil nanoemulsion softeners using different surfactants and their effect on physical characteristics of polyester fabric

Silicone oil nanoemulsion softeners with different particle sizes can be prepared using different surfactants with various ratios aminosilicone oil, surfactants concentration and time of mixing. The silicone oil nanoemulsion softeners could penetrate well into the polyester fibers; therefore, they can induce desirable physicochemical properties in the fabric. In current study, we first prepared silicone oil nanoemulsion softeners by designing via DOE software and with different particle sizes using nonyl phenol, octyl phenyl ether and fatty alcohol surfactants, and we investigated them using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) techniques. In DOE software, the effect of various independent variables of emulsification process such as surfactant type, oil weight fraction, surfactant concentration and time of mixing on dependent variables were studied including particle size, z-average and width. Then, we examined the physical characteristics of polyester fabric by applying silicone oil macro, micro and nanoemulsion softeners. The treated fabrics with these softeners were compared with each other through the physical properties. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed the polyester fabric treated with silicone nanoemulsion softeners appeared to have smoother fiber surface. To prove the penetration of silicone particles into the fabric fibers, a cross section was taken from the cross section of polyester fabric by microtome in liquid nitrogen. The TEM images from cross section of fabrics treated with the silicone oil nanoemulsion softeners confirmed that the nanoparticles had penetrated well into the polyester fibers; therefore, they could induce desirable physicochemical properties in the fabric.     

Shade darkening effect of polyorganosiloxane modified with amino and hydroxy groups on dyed polyester microfiber fabric

The novel polyorganosiloxane material S‐101 modified with amino and hydroxy groups is synthesized. Shade darkening effect of modified polyorganosiloxane on dyed polyester microfiber fabric is investigated by reflectance spectrum, color yield (K/S), and the color differences (ΔE). The colorimetric data of CIELAB is discussed. The results show that the novel material of silicone polymer modified with amino and hydroxy groups has excellent shade darkening effect on dyed polyester microfiber fabric. The rates of the color yield increase (I%) of all dyed fabric with four dyes (Disperse Yellow S‐4RL, Red GS, Blue 2BLN, and Black SF‐R) exceed 10%. The shapes of the reflectance spectra curves of the dyed fabrics before and after treated with S‐101 are not noticeable change. The dyed fabrics with the polymer have not significant effect on the wash fastness and wet rubbing fastness. The low reflectance thin film on dyed fabrics is formed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007     

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     

Electrostatic self‐assembly dyeing of cotton fabrics

A new approach to the dyeing of cotton fabrics using an electrostatic self‐assembly method was evaluated. Cotton fabrics were pretreated with 2,3‐epoxypropyltrimethylammonuium chloride and cationic charges were produced on the fabric surfaces. For the dyeing of cotton fabric, reactive and acid dyes were used. Oppositely charged anionic reactive/acid dyes and cationic poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) were alternately deposited on the surface of cationised cotton fabrics. Ten multilayer films of dye/poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) were deposited on the cotton fabric surfaces using a padder. The build‐up of the multilayer films and the level of colour strength (K/S) achieved are discussed. Samples of cotton fabrics were also dyed with the same dyes, but using the exhaust method, and both types of dyed samples were compared. The washing, rubbing and light fastness properties were evaluated for the dyed fabrics.     

Synthesis of sulfated β‐cyclodextrin/cotton/ZnO nano composite for improve the antibacterial activity and dyeability with Azadirachta indica

The sulfated β‐cyclodextrin (sb‐cd) was prepared from β‐cyclodextrin and the sb‐cd was crosslinked with cotton fabric using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as crosslinker. After crosslinking, the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles were padded on this fabric surface. Then, the treated fabrics were dyed with neem extract. The synthesized polymer, crosslinked and nanoparticle‐treated cotton fabrics were characterized using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), particle sized analyzer, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies. The antibacterial test was done against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacterium. The composite coated with neem dyed cotton fabric has exhibited 71% of dye uptake with 2–3 fastness grade and it has 99% of antibacterial efficiency for S. aureus and 97% for E. coli bacterium. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Pretreatment of cotton fabrics with polyamino carboxylic acids for salt‐free dyeing of cotton with reactive dyes

In this study, polyamino carboxylic acids have been used to improve the dyeability of cotton in a salt‐free reactive dyeing process. These polyamino carboxylic acids were prepared by partial carboxylation of polyvinylamine. Cotton fabric was pretreated with polyamino carboxylic acids and dyed with reactive dyes. The colour strengths of the dyed fabrics were evaluated by measuring the K/S values. The fastness properties (washing, rubbing and light fastness) of the dyed cotton fabrics were also measured. The pretreatment of cotton with polyamino carboxylic acids creates positive charges on the fabric surface. In this way, salt‐free reactive dyeing of cotton or dyeing with only a small amount of electrolyte is possible.     

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.     

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     

Fixation of cationic P (st‐BA‐AA‐GMA) emulsion on pigment particles in dyeing of cotton fabrics

Cationic copolymer emulsions of St, BA, AA, and GMA were successfully synthesized via semi‐continuous emulsion polymerization. The properties of synthesized cationic emulsions were characterized by monomer conversion and solid content, differential scanning calorimeter, particle size and distribution, zeta potential, and centrifugal stability. The film performance of the cationic emulsions formed on cotton fiber surface was observed by scanning electricity microscopy. The influence of cationic emulsions on the color data, K/S values and rubbing fastness of dyed cotton fabrics was also investigated. The results show that P (St‐BA‐AA‐GMA) emulsion had larger particle size and higher zeta potential than P (St‐BA‐AA) emulsion. When the films were formed at room temperature, P (St‐BA‐AA‐GMA) emulsion film had better performance than P (St‐BA‐AA) emulsion film. The addition of GMA monomers improved the film performance. P (St‐BA‐AA‐GMA) emulsion films formed at 120 °C after acetic acid solution treatment had the best water resistance. Dyed cotton fabrics pretreated with P (St‐BA‐AA‐GMA) emulsion had better pigment dyeing performance than those pretreated with P (St‐BA‐AA) emulsion. It demonstrates that the addition of GMA monomers further improved the effect of pigment dyeing for cotton fabrics with cationic emulsions as binders. With the increase of P (St‐BA‐AA‐GMA) concentration, the color performance of dye fabrics improved while the rubbing fastness decreased a little. But, the handle and fastness still meets the use standards for consumers. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 44987.     

Novel hydrolysable azo disperse dyes based on N‐ester‐1,8‐naphthalimide: dyeing of polyester–cotton blends

The dyeing of polyester–cotton blends with new alkali‐hydrolysable azo disperse dyes based on N‐ester‐1,8‐naphthalimide was investigated. Polyester–cotton blend fabrics were dyed using both one‐ and two‐bath methods. Dyes 3 and 4 offered lower colour yield on polyester using the one‐bath method. For the rest of the dyes, employing either the one‐ or two‐bath method resulted in a similar colour yield on polyester fabric. The results for fastness properties and colour yield of the dyeings showed that the dyes were suitable for dyeing polyester–cotton blends using the one‐bath method. The kinetic study of hydrolysis of the dyes in alkali media obeyed the pseudo first‐order reaction rate.     

Atomic layer deposition TiO2/Al2O3 nanolayer of dyed polyamide/aramid blend fabric for high intensity UV light protection

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation can cause a severe damage to textiles, such as color fading, polymer degradation, and mechanical strength decrease. The aim of this study was to deposit inorganic UV blocking agents onto polyamide/aramid dyed fabric using atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique to produce functional fabrics that are resistant to high intensity UV light. Scanning electron microscopy (coupled to energy‐dispersive spectroscopy), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermogravimetry studies demonstrated that TiO₂, Al₂O₃, and TiO₂/Al₂O₃ nanolayer could be successfully deposited onto the fiber surface. The dyed fabrics with different ALD coatings showed excellent high intensity UV resistance and were also more resistant to high intensity UV‐induced mechanical strength damage. These results suggested that the ALD technology could be effective technique to improve the properties of dyed fabrics. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:1296–1302, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

长链羧基聚硅氧烷的膜形貌、乳化及其应用性能

运用场发射扫描电镜(FESEM)及原子力显微镜(AFM)对十二烷基/羧基改性聚硅氧烷(RCAS)成膜形貌进行观测,测试结果表明,RCAS可在纤维表面形成均匀平整的有机硅膜,该膜使原有纤维表面沟壑、块状物消失;RCAS在单晶硅表面形成微观非均一相硅膜,表面粗糙,在扫描高度为5 nm、扫描范围为2μm×2μm条件下,可观察到膜表面存在许多竖直的尖峰。考察RCAS乳液及与氨基硅乳共混乳液在棉纤维织物上的应用性能,测试结果表明,织物经RCAS乳液及共混乳液整理后,柔软性能较之空白织物均提升;且随着RCAS乳液含量的增加,共混乳液整理织物的白度和亲水性提升,柔软性能下降。     

Preparation and properties of Fe(II)‐ion‐sensitive colour‐changing fabric

Textile fabrics were dyed with complexometric indicators (ionochromic dyes) to develop Fe(II) ionochromic fabric. Three kinds of ionochromic dye were used to dye silk fabric, and they were evaluated for colour changes triggered by Fe(II) solution. The K/S values and photos of the fabrics were then recorded. It was found that 1,10‐phenanthroline was the most suitable ionochromic dye in these dyes. Colour change from white to red could be clearly seen when 1,10‐phenanthroline‐dyed silk fabric was triggered by Fe(II) solution, but it showed no colour change when triggered by Cu(II), Mg(II), or Ca(II) solution. Moreover, 1,10‐phenanthroline‐dyed nylon, polyester, and cotton fabrics showed no obvious colour changes after triggering by Fe(II) solution. Ion concentration, pH value, and reaction time could affect the colour changes. When triggered by 8 mg l^?1 of Fe(II) solution at neutral pH for about 15 min, the ionochromic fabric showed a clear colour change. In addition, three coloured fabrics in green, blue, and yellow were also dyed with 1,10‐phenanthroline. It was found that they could also show clear colour changes when triggered by Fe(II) solution. These ionochromic fabrics may find broad application in many fields, such as Fe(II) detection, magic toys, anticounterfeiting materials, and bionic silk flowers.     

Effect of reactive dyeing on the UV protection affected by knitted fabric made from different types of cotton fibre

In this study, 100% cotton knitted fabrics made from combed cotton and combed pima cotton were dyed with reactive dye, with different dye concentrations. Colour properties such as CIE L*a*b* values as well as dyeing uniformity of the dyed fabrics were measured. The relationships between colour properties and the ultraviolet protection afforded by cotton knitted fabrics were investigated. Experimental results revealed that dye concentration is the most important factor. In addition, only L* values have a direct mathematical relationship with the ultraviolet protection factor; a* and b* values and dyeing uniformity were not found to have a significant correlation with ultraviolet protection factor values. Meanwhile, knitted fabric made from combed cotton fibre has better ultraviolet protection performance than fabric made from combed pima cotton fibre.     

A method for dyeing cotton fabric with anthocyanin dyes extracted from mulberry (Morus rubra) fruits

For the first time, the natural anthocyanin dyes (mainly consisting of cyanidine 3‐glycoside) extracted from mulberry (Morus rubra) fruits has been successfully used to dye cotton fabric, with a dyeing property performance good enough for potential commercial applications. In this study, succinic acid was firstly incorporated into cotton fabrics by esterification to the hydroxyl groups of cellulose, forming an anionic site for the dyes. The performance of the modified material was characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and tensile strength. Results showed that the tensile strength of cotton fabrics was mostly retained after modification. The anthocyanin extracts from mulberry fruits were used to study the dyeability of the control and modified cotton fabrics. Red and deep purple (aubergine) are two main shades of cotton fabrics dyed with mulberry fruit extracts. Most importantly, aubergine shade is rare in cotton fabrics dyed with natural dyes. Modification with succinic acid clearly increased the colour strength of the dyed cotton fabric. The colour strength of dyed cotton fabric was improved from 2.7 to 5.3 in the case of dyeing without mordants, and from 3.2 to 6.9 in the case of dyeing with tin mordanting. Meanwhile, the colour fastness was improved by 0.5–2 grades with increasing succinic acid concentration in the finish solution. The colour fastness to perspiration, crocking, light, and washing of fabric dyed with simultaneous tin mordanting and modified with 30 g l^?1 of succinic acid was found to be acceptable, with a grey scale grade of at least 3. As for home laundering, neutral soapy solution was more acceptable than alkaline soapy solution.     

Studies on silk fabric dyed with a hemicyanine dye

Silk fabric was dyed with a hemicyanine dye, DHEASPBr‐C₄, to create the fluorescent silk fabric in this article. The study initially focuses on the dyeing properties of the dyed silk fabric, followed by the reflectance and emission spectra. The results show that the sorption isotherms are the Langmuir type and the dyed silk fabrics using DHEASPBr‐C₄ have an obvious fluorescent effect in the spectral range 570–720 nm, while their peak locations of ca. 590 nm in the emission spectra are under the excitation of 365 nm. Finally, the CIE coordinates of the dyed silk fabric are discussed in order to investigate further potential applications.     

Modification of wrinkle resistance of cotton fabric

Cotton fabrics were treated with montmorillonite (MMT) so as to improve the wrinkle‐resistant properties of the cotton fabrics. The MMT in emulsion form was applied by padding method to the cotton fabrics, and the wrinkle‐resistant properties of the MMT‐treated cotton fabrics and the wrinkle‐resistant properties of MMT‐treated cotton fabrics were consequently improved. Furthermore, different instrumental methods were used for studying the distribution of MMT particles on the cotton fabric surface. It was noted that near nano‐scale MMT particles were adhered on the fiber surface, and in addition, the particles size played an important role in influencing the wrinkle‐resistant properties of the cotton fabric. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 3700–3707, 2006     

Effect of the water content of padded cotton fabrics on reactive dye fixation in the pad-steam process

A series of padded cotton fabrics with various water contents were obtained through vacuum dehydration. The effects of the water content on the fabric temperature variation during steaming, the colour properties, and the dye fixation rate (%F) were investigated. Dye distribution in the dyed cotton fibres was assessed. The influences of steaming time and sodium carbonate concentration on K/S value and %F of the dyed fabrics with low water content were also evaluated. The results indicate that reducing the water content of the padded cotton fabric to around 25.0% prior to steaming was favoured for reactive dyeing. The temperature of the wet fabric rose rapidly, the K/S value and %F were enhanced, and in addition the dye penetration into the dyed cotton fibres was sufficient. However, for padded fabrics with extraordinarily low and high water contents (e.g. 1.4% and 70.9% respectively), both the K/S value and %F were decreased. Furthermore, a white core phenomenon was evident for the fibres of the dyed fabric with a water content of 1.4%. Variation in the L^* values was in line with the K/S values as the fabric water content varied. As expected, steaming time and sodium carbonate dosage can also affect reactive dye fixation greatly and should be determined accordingly for dyeing cotton fabric with low water content.