What is fabric softener?

The role of softener

① Supplement the natural oils lost by natural fibers in scouring, bleaching and other processes to make the hand feel more ideal.

② It adheres to natural fibers or synthetic fibers to improve smoothness and strength, and improve hand feeling.

③ Improve the wearability of fabrics through some characteristics of softener.

In order to achieve the above functions, softeners are generally grease-like smoothness and hand-feel substances, which can reduce the frictional resistance between the fibers and make the fibers lubricate and soft. There are also some softeners that can cross-link with some reactive groups on the fiber to achieve the purpose of washing durability.

Softener requirements

① The working fluid should be very stable under various soft processing conditions.

② Does not reduce the whiteness and color fastness of fibers or fabrics.

③ The softened fiber or fabric is not easy to be discolored by heat, and there should be no change in color, feel, or smell during storage.

④ If the softener is emulsion, its emulsion stability is better.

⑤ According to different processing requirements, it can have proper water absorption or water repellency, anti-static properties and other properties (should be selected according to different requirements of the fabric). It is resistant to washing or dry cleaning.

⑥ No adverse effects after human skin contact.

Due to the wide variety of textiles, different fibers used, different fabric specifications, different fabric uses, and different finishing requirements, the selection of softeners cannot be generalized. On the basis of various softener softening mechanisms and functions, select those that meet the requirements. Softener. In addition, the performance of each softener is always limited. To obtain multiple performance effects, you can use two or more softeners in combination (or compound into a new softener product). ). For example, the combined application of silicone softener and long-chain aliphatic softener can achieve a better effect of soft, plump and smooth hand feeling. It can also combine the application of softener with mechanical softening and often obtain good results. effect.