3. Introduction
Softeners
A softener is a chemical when applied to textile materials
bring about softness in the surface. Softeners or
softening agent ave been used for many years in textile
finishing.
4. Introduction
Fabric softener
Fabric softeners work by coating the surface of the
cloth with thin layer of chemicals.
So the term softener can be define as auxiliary applied
to textile material in order to improve its handle with
more pleasing touch.
5. Objective
As the textile material goes under various mechanical and
chemical processes that make the surface of the
material harsh.
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.
6. Mechanism
Fabric softeners coat the surface of a fabric with
chemical compounds that are electrically charged,
causing threads to "stand up" from the surface and
thereby imparting a softer and fluffier texture.
8. Types
Based on the ionic natures softener can be
classified as;
1. Cationic softeners
2. Anionic softeners
3. Non ionic softeners
4. Amphoteric softeners
5. Reactive softeners
6. Silicone softeners
7. Anti-ozone Softener
8. Urethane Softeners
9. Macro softener
10.Micro softener
9. Types
Cationic softener
The softener which ionizes in water and produce cation as
the dominating ion which is responsible for the softening
action is called cationic softener.
An ionic softener
The softener which ionizes in water and produce anion as
the dominating ion which is responsible for the softening
action is called anionic softener.
Nonionic softener
The softener which does not ionize in water but has the
ability to make some positive alternation in fabric as other
softeners do is called nonionic softener. For example- waxes,
silicon softener, etc
10. Types
Amphoteric softener
These softeners contain one or more long alkyl chain
having both anion and cat ion in itself. In alkaline
solution (pH>7), they behave like anionic softener, in
acidic solution (pH<7) they behave like cationic
softener and in neutral solution (pH=7) they behave
like non ionic softener.
Reactive softener
Reactive softeners are those which contain fiber
reactive group and react with fiber substance and
hence produce a softening effect which is extremely
fast to wash.
11. Advantages
Make ironing easier.
Protect fabric color.
Keep them bright.
Reduce drying time.
Decrease static cling.
Make the fabric surface soft.
