Cationic Softener Research Articles

Effect of neutralizers and silicone softeners on phenolic yellowing phenomenon of OBA treated cotton knitted fabric

Phenolic yellowing is a complex physicochemical phenomenon of cotton, especially for white and pastel-colored fabrics. This study tried to analyze the effect of neutralizers and silicone softeners on this. Three types of neutralizers of different chemical characteristics (acetic acid, citric acid, and commercial complex acid) were used to achieve core neutralization whereas two unlike ionic nature of silicone softeners (cationic & non-ionic) for the finishing process used. The acetic acid and nonionic softener treated fabric gives the maximum CIE (International Commission on Illumination) whiteness index value of 151 while citric acid and cationic softener have the least rating of 140.93 with a similar chemical dosage of 1.5 g/l by immediate testing. However, after repeated testing for one-month conditioning in atmospheric conditions, complex acid, and nonionic softener treated samples exhibited the maximum whiteness index of 145.86; on the other hand, citric acid and cationic softener treated one had the least rating of 125.85. Moreover, fabric core pH, reading was found to be 6.68, 6.15 & 5.13 for acetic acid, citric acid, and complex acid through immediate testing. After one month of conditioning, the values were 7.2, 6.61, and 5.25, respectively. Finally, a maximum phenolic yellowing rating of 4–5 was found with complex acid & nonionic softener in contrast poor rating of 2 with acetic acid & cationic softener for immediate testing. Storage of the samples has a significant impact on phenolic yellowing for all types of chemical concentrations. Lightfastness rating was found identical for all samples while bursting strength had a very negligible impact, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy also revealed the presence of noticeable chemical functional groups.

Evaluation of comfort and thermal properties of stretch denim fabric by applying different softeners

Denim plays a vital role in the fashion industry. But today’s fashion not only concern about its aesthetic property but also its comfortability. Objective: This study was aimed to explore the effect of different softeners on the comfort and thermal feeling properties of stretch denim fabric. Method/analysis: For the understanding of comfort, feeling, and thermal properties of stretch denim fabric in conjunction with enzyme wash and stone enzyme wash; different softeners like cationic, anionic, nonionic, micro silicone, macro silicone, and nano-silicone softeners were applied accordingly. Then water vapor permeability and comfort property tests were conducted to understand the effect of different softeners on comfort and thermal properties of stretch denim fabric. Findings: Comfort, feeling, and thermal properties of stretch denim fabric were affected by using different kinds of softeners. Enzyme and stone enzyme washed stretch denim fabric treated with silicone-based softeners illustrated better feeling performance regarding the smoothness, softness, and warmness sensation. For water vapor permeability analysis, nonionic softeners showed better performance for both cases of enzyme wash and stone enzyme wash rather than others. Furthermore, nonionic and anionic softeners displayed lower performance for thermal conductivity during compression and recovery than silicone-based and cationic softeners in context with both Enzyme wash along with stone enzyme wash treated stretch denim fabric. Novelty: This research is a novel work regarding the understanding of comfort and thermal feeling properties of stretch denim fabric by applying different softeners together with enzyme wash and stone enzyme wash. Keywords: Denim; softener; water vapor permeability; thermal conductivity; smoothness; warmness

Air Permeability and Water Vapor Resistance of Differently Finished Cotton and Cotton/Elastane Single Jersey Knitted Fabrics

ABSTRACT This study investigates the knitted fabrics’ air permeability and water vapor resistance as complex phenomena of the interaction between the fiber nature, fabric structural characteristics and, different wet processes. Bleaching and dyeing together with the content of elastane are the main factors determining fabric structural characteristics. 100% cotton fabrics have a higher intensity of warm/cool feeling since they have higher air permeability than elastane containing fabrics. The air permeability and water vapor resistance of elastane containing fabrics decreased after the wet processes, whereby the bleached knitted fabrics showed higher air permeability and lower water vapor resistance than dyed. Decreased air permeability and increased water vapor resistance of softened elastane containing fabrics are governed by the cationic softener pick-up mechanism. Namely, the cationic softener is deposited on the yarns’ surfaces; its hydrophobic carbon ends repel from each other. This acts as a barrier for air which contributes to an increase in the fabric water vapor resistance. The softened dyed knitted fabrics have lower air permeability and slightly higher water vapor resistance than softened bleached fabrics which may be attributed to the interaction between reactive dyestuff and cationic softener. The comfort properties quality of finished knitted fabrics decreased with elastane incorporation and with softening.

Knittability Enhancement Study of 100 % Linen yarn using Softeners

ABSTRACT 100% linen short-staple yarns, spun using the wet spinning technique were used for this study. As the raw linen yarns are stiff, they cannot be directly used for knitting without any blend. This study was focused on the softening of 100% linen yarns using cationic and nonionic softeners in four different methods each. Out of the 8 different samples treated, yarn treated with the material: Liquor Ratio of 1:10 and concentration of cationic softener 2% OWL at a temperature of 50 degrees C for 30 mins showed good results like increase in softness, elongation, improved flexural rigidity, hairiness, friction, and unevenness with minimum loss in strength. This leads to a good result in the softening of 100% linen yarn. Knitting trials were also carried out, the untreated linen yarns show poor knittability and the knitted fabrics produced using softener treated yarns showed excellent knittability without any defects in the fabrics.

Effect of Different Softeners on Dimensional Stability and Color Fastness Properties of Stretch Denim Fabric

This study was designed to investigate the effect of different softeners on dimensional stability and color fastness properties of stretch denim fabric. Stretch denim fabric was washed using enzyme concentration of 4.0 g/l for 30 minutes in 40°C temperature at pH 5.5 and then different softeners were applied in conjunction with standard recipes. Different color fastness properties, dimensional stability were analyzed in combination with enzyme wash and stone enzyme wash along with cationic, anionic, nonionic, micro silicone, macro silicone and nano silicone softeners. Stone enzyme wash treated with different softeners on stretch denim fabric demonstrated better performance in case of different color fastness properties rather than enzyme wash. No significant change was observed for application of different kinds of softeners on enzyme wash and stone enzyme treated stretch denim fabric regarding the grade of color change and color staining for color fastness to light and color fastness to water. Silicone-based softeners illustrated better performance for color fastness to washing than other softeners for both enzyme wash and stone enzyme wash. Cationic softener proven excellent durability and suitability towards multiple washes rather than other softeners. The GSM of stretch denim fabric also increased accordingly after applying different softeners rather than untreated stretch denim fabric. From scanning electron microscope images, stretch denim fabric sample treated with enzyme and cationic, micro silicone softeners implied less ruptures and less cracks rather than stone enzyme treated with cationic, micro silicone softeners.

Effects of yarn type, process history, softener type and concentration on wicking and drying properties of cotton plain knitted fabrics

Wicking and drying performances of knitted cotton fabrics made from siro, ring and open-end yarns were investigated before and after bleaching and dyeing procedures. Moreover, the samples were treated with cationic, non-ionic and silicone softeners at various concentrations. The data obtained were evaluated using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) as well as independent t-tests, and the results were discussed comparatively. The results showed that the selected parameters were highly effective on the wicking and drying behaviors of cotton plain knitted fabrics. Fabrics made from siro yarns tended to perform better. Dyeing process caused improvement of fabric wicking and drying behaviors. Also, application of silicone, especially at higher concentrations, was shown to negatively affect the discussed comfort properties, probably due to silicone double-layer formation with polar outside.

Effect of softeners and their concentration levels on properties of woollen blanket

Blanket fabrics are treated with softeners with an aim to reduce the friction values and to improve the tactile feel of the fabrics. A study was conducted to examine the effects of type of softener and its concentration levels on the physical properties of woollen blanket. Three types of blanket fabrics prepared from 100% Bharat Merino (BM) wool, 100% Chokla wool and 100% Avikalin wool were treated with three types of softener namely cationic, amino silicone or silicone softener using exhaust method. Softener treatment was given at 3 levels i.e. 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% on weight of material (owm) and blanket fabrics were tested for coefficient of static and dynamic friction. Higher dynamic friction coefficient (1.03) was observed for BM and Chokla wool as compared to Avikalin (0.98) wool fabrics. Bending length found to decrease with increasing levels of concentration and no trend was observed for ends and picks per dm and areal density. Regardless of the type of softener, dynamic friction coefficient gets reduced due to application of softeners. The coefficient of dynamic friction initially dropped when the concentration was increased from 0.5 to 1.0%; however, it increased when the concentration was increased to 1.5%. The effect of softener on static coefficient was similar to the effect of softener in dynamic friction. It was observed that silicone softener gave the least coefficients of dynamic and static friction and recommended to use softener at concentration level of 1.0% to get optimum friction values.

Assessment of coconut fibers for textile applications

Brazil is the fourth larger producer in coconut fruit in the world. However, the industry processes only a small portion of coconut byproducts, which have caused serious environmental problems. The purpose of this article is to test an alternative for the recovery of coconut byproduct. In a series of experiments, recovered coconut fibers (coir) were treated to be employ in textile application. After initial classification and sampling, the fine coconut fibers were subjected to a simultaneous scouring and pre-bleaching process in a mild alkali solution together with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The fibers were first subjected to this treatment for 10 minutes at 80°C and then again for 20 minutes at the boiling point. The samples were then treated with a cationic softener for 10 minutes at 60°C. After this process, the physical and mechanical properties were measured and values proved not to be statistically significant. The article indicates some of the main obstacles when handling coconut fiber for textile applications and reveals that besides elongation, softness and homogeneity are essential for coconut fibers spinning. Findings in this investigation showed some improved results in relation to the previous literature in two aspects: Firstly, because the treatment did not harm the fibers quality; secondly, because due to the treatment the coconut fibers could be arranged in fibrous strands, which facilitated spinning and weaving for use in textile applications. Keywords: coconut fiber, coir, scouring, softening, textile.

Soft, Ecofriendly Functional cotton fabric using herbal oil incorporated with TiO2nano particles

Current research was undertaken to develop a new finishing formulation using titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2) homogenously suspended in mixture of cationic softener and herbal oil. Its utilization as multifunctional finishing formulation to cotton based fabrics was investigated. The properties of the treated fabrics were monitored and compared with the untreated one. These properties were include the effect of cationic softener concentration, form of TiO2 nano particles (mixture of rutile and anatase), type of cotton fabrics (bleached or pre-carboxymethylated) and presence of herbal oil on the properties of the treated cotton fabrics were monitored. Moreover, stability of TiO2 nanoparticles in such finishing formulation was also determined. The effect of using eco-friendly herbal oil within the same finishing formulation on the antibacterial activities of the treated fabric was also evaluated. The treated fabrics were monitored for UV-protection, self-cleaning and antibacterial properties. Morphology and structure of TiO2 nanoparticles were characterized using XRD and TEM,. The antibacterial activities of the treated fabrics were evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive) strains and Escherichia coli (gram-negative), the results show significant antibacterial effect mainly against Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, the treated fabrics showed enhanced UV protection and self-cleaning properties with improving softness properties.

Synthesis and Performance Properties of Cationic Fabric Softeners Derived from Free Fatty Acid of Tallow Fat.

Esterquat cationic softener is basically the class of surface active quaternary ammonium compounds. Esterquat compounds were synthesized and their surface behavior, antibacterial activity and Textile softening properties were investigated. Easily found cheap material was used to synthesize cationic fabric softeners. This fabric softener will be a good for commercially and industrially important because their emulsify activity, rewettability dispersing power and softness. Free fatty acids were derived from tallow oil and were treated with triethanolamine and mono-ethanolamine at 140°C. This diester was quaternaries with dimethyl sulphate and benzyl chloride. The synthesized esterquat compounds were characterized by its cationic content, 1H NMR and FT-IR analysis. In addition to the cationic content, surface tension, CMC (critical micelle concentration), rewettability, fabric softening, emulsification and dispersing power were determined as their surface-active properties. The fabric softening activity of esterquat and esteramide prepared from DMS was better softening activity of fabrics compared to untreated cotton and polyester fabrics cloth. The presented result shows that the esterquat made from BCl exhibit the best dispersing power. The esterquat made from DMS both in TEA and MEA shows good rewettability was determined.

Evaluation of the influence of chemical softening on the properties of cellulose-origin textiles

The present research has explored the influence made by chemical softening with liquid household chemical softeners on changes in the structure and hand properties of the cellulose-origin textiles manufactured from cotton, bamboo and viscose spun yarns. Effectiveness of technological treatment has been analysed via application of an experimental method based on the pulling of a disc-shaped specimen through the central nozzle of KTU-Griff-Tester device. Analysis of the obtained results has demonstrated that washing of textiles leads to decrease in the hand parameters thereof such as the maximum pulling force (P max), tangent of the slope angle of the typical pulling curve H–P initial part (tgα), pulling work (A) and complex hand parameter (Q) as well as in mechanical thickness ratio (Δδ) compared to the ones of the unwashed (control) textiles independent of the fibre content and manufacturing type thereof. Hand properties of the textiles under investigation have been shown to improve after chemical softening compared to the washed textiles, but they have never been comparable to the ones of the untreated (control) textiles. Chemical softening with the cationic softeners “Wansou” (V), “Pflege Weichspuler” (P) and “Surcare” (Sr) containing 5–15% of PAM has determined the best hand of the textiles under discussion compared to other chemical softeners.

Novel cationic softener containing MCT reactive dyes for cotton: Simultaneous dyeing and functional finishing

The cationic softeners containing MCT (monochloro-s-triazinyl) reactive dyes were employed on the dyeing of cotton fabrics. The substantivity, exhaustion, and fixation of the dyes were investigated. It was found that these functional dyes could be effectively introduced to cotton fibers to achieve simultaneous coloration and functional finishing effects. All the dyed fabrics exhibited softening efficacy. The dyes offered excellent washing fastness on cotton substrate. Light fastnesses of the dyes on the substrate were poor.

Novel cationic softener containing MCT reactive dyes for cotton: Synthesis and characterization

Two novel cationic softener containing mono-s-chloro triazinyl reactive dyes together with their analogues were designed. The dyes were synthesized via reacting an N,N-dimethyldodecylamine with p-nitrobenzyl bromide. The resultant was reduced using stannous chloride and hydrochloric acid to produce the primary amine. The quaternary ammonium salt containing primary amine was then diazotized to produce diazonium salt part of azo dye. The diazonium salt was then coupled to H-acid/J-acid reacted with cyanuric chloride and sulfanilic acid. The analogue dyes were prepared via the same route without quaternary ammonium salt making stage. The chemical structures of the novel dyes were characterized by FTIR, 1H-NMR, and elemental analysis. The spectroscopic properties of the dyes were determined in terms of λ max and ɛ max in aqueous solution.

Effect of Fabric Softener on Properties of a Single Jersey Knitted Fabric Made of Cotton and Spandex Yarn

This research studies the effect of softener treatment on plain jersey fabrics properties made of cotton and spandex yarn. Samples with 100% cotton yarns, spandex yarns in alternating courses (half plating) and spandex yarns in every courses (full plating) were produced on a circular knitting machine where the two latter cases were produced at five different levels of spandex extension. After dyeing process, fabrics were treated with fabric softener using two softener types (cationic and silicon) and all type two concentrations (3%, 6%) to evaluate the most appropriate softener type and concentration on fabric friction force, sewing needle penetration force and weight loss % under different level of spandex extension. Results showed that silicon softener treatment results in high decreases in fabric sewing needle penetrating force, friction force and while treatment with cationic softener results in high decreases in weight loss % for 100% cotton, half and full plating fabrics.

Interaction between the Surface Properties of the Textiles and the Deposition of Cationic Softener

AbstractIn this study we categorised the surface properties of different knitted fabrics by their electro‐kinetic behaviour and liquid up‐take phenomena of the knitted textiles in order to understand the interaction of the surface properties of the textiles with cationic softener deposition. The electro‐kinetic and liquid uptake properties of textiles were measured by their zeta‐potential and liquid absorption ability. We also examined the influence of fabric softener on the surface characteristics of the textiles. We used solvent extraction followed by cationic titration to determine the cationic softener level present on the textiles. The major finding of this study was the different behaviour of individual loads and mixed loads in terms of cationic pick up from the rinse cycle softener. Fibre type plays the most critical role in determining the zeta potential of the fibre, filtration efficiency and water retaining capability of the fabrics, which in turn play the most important role in softener deposition on the textile. The charge on the textile surface is negative; this plays a key role in the deposition of the cationic softener in both kinds of loading conditions. Capillary diffusion could be a key parameter only in the individual load condition. It was found that there is a significant reduction in the liquid adsorption weight when fabrics are treated with levels of softener that are much higher than those associated with normal consumer use. As soon as the fabric comes into contact with the liquid, the fabric softener molecules transfer from the fabric to the liquid and reduce the surface energy of the liquid. This results in an increase in the wetting weight of the fabric.

Thermal Characterization and Flammability of Polyester Fiber Coated with Nonionic and Cationic Softeners

AbstractThe aim of this research was to study the effect of nonionic and cationic softeners on the thermal degradation of polyethylene terephthalate fibers. The influence of the type of emulsion on the thermal properties and flammability of the resultant samples was investigated by various analytical techniques, namely, differential scanning calorimetry, thermal gravimetric analysis, dynamical mechanical thermal analysis, and the horizontal flammability test. Results showed that softeners with different ionic structure have different effects on thermal degradation and flammability of polyethylene terephthalate substrates.

The Influence of Constructional Properties of Knitted Fabrics on Cationic Softener Pick Up and Deposition Uniformity

In this study we tried to find the influence of fiber type, fiber fineness and knit construction on the amount of softener pick up by the fabric. Decision trees are developed to explain the cationic softener pick up depending upon the factors mentioned above. The influence of the type of load (mixed fiber load and individual fiber load) on the amount of softener deposited on the fabric was also studied. We have also quantified the non-uniformity of softener deposition. We used an image-processing tool to define non-uniformity of the softener deposition. It evaluates the spatial uniformity of softener deposition by evaluating the difference between observed patchy distribution and a random process which would lead to a uniform distribution.

Influence of Ultrasonic Waves on the Processing of Cotton with Cationic Softener

AbstractIn recent years, the textile industry has been forced to develop new technologies to reduce energy and water consumption. The use of ultrasound in textile wet processing is one solution to this problem. The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of ultrasonic energy on the processing of cotton with a cationic softener. For this purpose, cotton fabric was treated with a fatty acid amide derivative cationic softener in water using ultrasonic energy during treatment. The physical properties of the fabrics treated under different conditions are discussed. The results show that the treatment of fabrics with softeners in an ultrasound bath is more effective compared to conventional methods and that it enhances the physical properties of the cotton.

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

AbstractThe 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.

Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) Analysis of the Bleaching of Cashmere Fibres, and the Application of Cationic Alkyl Protein Softeners

ToF-SIMS studies have demonstrated that the 18-methyleicosanoic acid (18-MEA) bound to the cashmere fibre surface via a thioester linkage, is removed by hydrogen peroxide bleaching. The level of 18-MEA loss was related to the severity of oxidative attack. The adsorption of a wetting agent, nonyl phenol ethoxylate (NPEO-8), onto the fibre occurs during bleaching, with preferential adsorption of the more hydrophobic, short ethoxymer species observed. Characterization of a protein softener indicated a complex ToF-SIMS spectrum, with the surface analysis data agreeing with the wet chemical bulk analysis. Surface analysis of the ‘softened’ cashmere indicated that the cationic alkyl protein softeners are highly substantive and that enrichment of the more hydrophobic softener components has occurred. A distribution model for the cationic protein softener over the anionic fibre surface has been proposed.