AUTEX Research Journal, Vol. 19, No 1, March 2019, DOI: 10.

1515/aut-2018-0009 © AUTEX

EFFECTS OF CHEMICAL STRUCTURE OF SILICONE POLYETHERS USED AS FABRIC SOFTENER

ADDITIVES ON SELECTED UTILITY PROPERTIES OF COTTON FABRIC

Małgorzata Zięba, Anna Małysa, Tomasz Wasilewski, Marta Ogorzałek

University of Technology and Humanities in Radom, Faculty of Materials Science and Design,
Department of Chemistry, Chrobrego 27 Street, 26-600 Radom, Poland
tel. +48 (48) 361 75 00, fax. +48 (48) 361 75 98, e-mail: [email protected]

Abstract:

The study addressed the effect of the structure of silicone polyethers on selected functional properties of cotton
fabric rinsed in conditioners containing the additives under study. Fabric softener formulations containing two comb-
structured compounds (PEG/PPG-14/0 Dimethicone and PEG/PPG-20/20 Dimethicone) and one block-structured
compound (Bis-PEG/PPG-20/20 Dimethicone) were developed. Cotton fabric rinsed in conditioners containing
silicone glycols was not found to be affected by yellowing. However, differences were noted in the softening ability
and re-wettability of rinsed fabrics due to diverse structures of the additives used. The most desirable soft hand
effect was observed after cotton rinsing in fabric softeners containing the block-structured compound Bis-PEG/PPG-
20/20 Dimethicone. In contrast, the highest fabric re-wettability was shown for the conditioner enriched with a comb-
structured compound (PEG/PPG-20/20 Dimethicone). The study results demonstrate that the prototypical fabric
softeners containing silicone derivatives have a potential to provide quality characteristic required by consumers of
this product group.

Keywords:

cotton fabric, adsorption capacity on fibers, fabric softeners, silicone polyethers

1. Introduction including polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS), aminosilicones,

epoxysilicones, silicone polyethers (polyetherpolysiloxanes,
Fabric softeners are used during the rinse cycle, which is the silicone glycols), cyclohexylaminosilicones,
final stage of the laundry process. Their purpose is to provide aminoethyloaminopropylosilicones.
fabrics with a range of beneficial qualities, for example reduce
fabric roughness (so-called “soft hand”), eliminate static The effects of silicone nano- and microemulsions on the
electricity build-up, improve the ironing effect and ensure a properties of polyester fibers were investigated by Parvinzadeh
pleasant scent. In addition, fabric softeners are expected to be and Hajiraissi.[4] Their study focused on evaluating the degree
easily dispersible in water and should not cause fabric yellowing of whiteness of polyester fabrics subjected to antistatic agents
and corrosion of structural elements in washing machines. containing silicone emulsions.
[1–9] The functions of fabric softeners determine their names.
The products are also referred to as anti-static agents or fabric Research conducted by Habereder, Becker et al.[10–11]
softeners. All these names are used in subsequent sections of and Chinta et al.[12] explored the topic of hydrophobization
the study interchangeably. of fabrics rinsed in conditioners containing aminosilicones
at various concentrations. Furthermore, Becker, Haas and
Fabric softeners usually have the form of aqueous dispersions Kugler[13] investigated the decrease in friction coefficient at
of cationic surfactants, such as quaternary ammonium salts the fiber-fiber interface.
(quats), pyridine and imidazole salts. An important group
of compounds used as additives in fabric conditioners are The studies outlined above were concerned primarily with
silicones, mainly those including a quaternary nitrogen atom silicones, that is, compounds with poor solubility in water,
in their structures. The presence of a nitrogen atom gives which are used as a base in fabric softener formulations.
silicones a cationic nature, and thus, increases their capacity This may generate problems related to the manufacturing
to become adsorbed on the surface of fabrics such as cotton. technology and markedly increase production costs because of
Many silicone types have been studied as potential additives to the need to incorporate additional components enhancing the
liquid fabric conditioners.[4,6,9–13] water solubility of these compounds. As a follow-up to previous
research conducted worldwide on silicone derivatives used
Bereck et al.[11] evaluated the effect of silicone molecule as fabric softener additives, the present study proposes the
structure, type and number of substituents and length of the application of silicone polyethers in two structural forms: comb-
siloxane chain on fabric softness, hydrophobization and like and block-like. In order to ensure the solubility of silicones
yellowing. The authors studied a number of additive groups in water, polyoxyethylene chains (formed by the binding of

http://www.autexrj.com 1
AUTEX Research Journal, Vol. 19, No 1, March 2019, DOI: 10.1515/aut-2018-0009 © AUTEX

ethylene oxide molecules) are introduced into their structures. moles of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide bound to a given
In addition, the presence of polyoxypropylene chains (arising molecule.
by the addition of propylene oxide molecules) in the molecule
increases the hydrophobicity of the compound.[14–16] The following compounds with a comb-like structure were
Consequently, the proposed compounds combine hydrophobic used: PEG/PPG-14/0 Dimethicone (commercial name: Abil
properties that are characteristic of polydimethylsiloxanes 8843, degree of polymerization m = 13, n = 5), PEG/PPG-
with hydrophilic properties resulting from the presence of 20/20 Dimethicone (commercial name: Abil 8863, m = 32, n =
polyoxyethylene chains. 6), and Bis-PEG/PPG-20/20 Dimethicone (commercial name:
Abil 8832, m = 62), characterized by a block-like structure.
The present study sought to evaluate the effect of the chemical
structure of silicone polyethers used as fabric softener additives Also, the following materials were used in the study:
on the fabric-softening ability and re-wettability, and the degree Bisacyloxyethyl hydroxyethyl methylammonium methosulphates
of whiteness. Also, an attempt was undertaken to assess the (commercial name: Praepagen TQ from Clariant, containing
potential for film formation on the surface of cotton fibers by 90% of cationic surfactant and 10% of isopropyl alcohol),
silicone polyethers selected for testing. sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (commercial name:
Pasta ABS Na from Brenntag), sodium hydrogen carbonate
(commercial name: sodium bicarbonate from Eurochem BDG
2. Experimental Sp. z o.o.), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid tetrasodium salt
(commercial name: Ergon B from P.P.H. Polskie Odczynniki
2.1. Materials Chemiczne Gliwice), mixture of polyoxyethylene alkyl
amines containing 8 moles of ethylene oxide (commercial
Reagents and materials name: Rokamin SR8 from: Zakłady Chemiczne Rokita S.A.),
polyoxyethylene glycol (commercial name: Polikol 1500 from
The study material consisted of model fabric softeners Zakłady Chemiczne Rokita S.A.), nonylphenol ethoxylated with
formulated with the addition of silicone polyethers originating 8 moles of ethylene oxide (commercial name: Rokafenol N8
from a reaction between oxyalkylated allyl alcohol and from Zakłady Chemiczne Rokita S.A.).
polydimethylsiloxane containing a polysiloxane chain activated
by Si-H groups, supplied by Evonik Industries AG. The tests were performed using a cotton fabric without any
additives or modifications: NORIS cotton, 1917-221-400-
The silicone compounds used in tests differ in the number 364, fabric batch 13/160 (m/width), manufactured by Tkalnia
of mers in the silicone chain (m, n), the number of ethylene Bielawa “Bieltex” Spółka z o.o.
oxide groups (x) and propylene oxide groups (y). Two of the
compounds used are characterized by a comb-like structure Properties of cotton fabric used in tests are: weight 133 g/m2,
(Fig. 1) and one has a block-like structure (Fig. 2). The following yarn linear density (warp 25, weft 30), number of threds/10cm
designations are used in the text: PEG – polyoxyethylene chain, (warp 256, weft 192), tensile strength (warp 34.4, weft 34.5),
PPG – polyoxypropylene chain, Dimethicone – polysiloxane shrinkability (warp 5.0, weft 3.2).
chain. PEG/PPG designations are followed by the number of

Figure 1. Structural formula of silicone glycol with a comb-like structure

Figure 2. Structural formula of silicone glycol with a block-like structure

http://www.autexrj.com/ 2
AUTEX Research Journal, Vol. 19, No 1, March 2019, DOI: 10.1515/aut-2018-0009 © AUTEX

New fabric softeners Re-wettability

Based on the literature data and own experience,[3–5,9–11,17–21] The method was based on measuring relative wetting height in
model fabric softener formulations were developed, differing in cotton fabric samples rinsed in a solution of the fabric softener
the type of silicone polyether used. The compositions are listed under study in comparison to the control sample (fabric rinsed
in Table 1. in distilled water).

Preparation of fabric softeners: Re-wettability X [%] was calculated from the formula:

h
A total of four fabric softener formulations were developed. X = ⋅ 100 ,
Their compositions are listed in Table 1. The method of fabric h0
softener preparation involved adding an appropriate amount where:
of a cationic surface active agent to water at a temperature h – height of water front in fabric sample rinsed in fabric softener
of approximately 50ºC. After the solution was cooled, an under study [mm],
appropriate silicone polyether and a preservative were added h0 – height of water front in control fabric sample [mm].
to the solution. The formulation was mixed until complete Detailed methodology has been described in the literature.[23]
homogenization.
Degree of fabric whiteness
2.2. Methods
The method was based on leucometric measurements of
Fabric preparation for tests changes in the degree of whiteness occurring in fabrics rinsed
in a solution of the prototypical fabric softener compared to a
Prior to testing, the cotton fabric was washed in order to fabric rinsed in distilled water. The degree of fabric whiteness
remove fabric finishers. The fabric samples were washed at was measured with a leucometer (Color 02) after the instrument
a temperature of 100ºC for 15 minutes in a bath containing 3 was calibrated using white and black standards. Detailed
g of sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (expressed as 100% of methodology has been described in the literature.[24]
the active substance) and 2 g of sodium hydrogen carbonate
in 1 l of distilled water. After washing, the fabric was rinsed five Adsorption of silicone polyethers on cotton fibers
times in distilled water. In the next step, water was removed
by manual squeezing and the fabric was left to dry. After that, The topography of the fabrics rinsed in 1% aqueous solutions
fabric samples of specific dimensions were prepared for testing. of polyetherpolysiloxanes and in distilled water was assessed.
Measurements were performed with S-2460N Hitachi scanning
Softening properties of fabric softeners electron microscope (SEM) with low vacuum mode, and
energy-dispersive (EDS) detector from Noran, fitted with a
The aim of the test was to compare the softening properties Norvar window and SiLi crystal, with a resolution of 133 eV,
of new fabric softeners with standard formulations using the electronically coupled to the microscope. The images were
method of fabric hand evaluation. Based on a subjective obtained at the magnification of 1,000x.
evaluation of fabric softness, 1 point was awarded to the fabric
sample in the pair, which—in the tester’s opinion—was softer. All the results shown in the charts are averaged values of
If both test samples were considered equally soft, each of independent measurement series defined for a given test. The
them was given 0.5 point. The maximum number that could be limits of the confidence interval for the measured parameters were
obtained for the fabric softener under study was 50. Detailed calculated using Student’s t-test. For the confidence level of 0.90,
methodology has been described in the literature.[22] intervals representing the measurement error were defined.

Table 1. Compositions of model fabric softeners

Ingredients Concentration [wt. %]

[INCI] PS0 PS1 PS2 PS3
Bisacyloxyethyl hydroxyethyl methylammonium
5,55
methosulphates
PEG/PPG-14/0 Dimethicone - 1 - -
PEG/PPG-20/20 Dimethicone - - 1 -
Bis-PEG/PPG-20/20 Dimethicone - - - 1
Benzisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone 0,01
Aqua to 100

http://www.autexrj.com/ 3
AUTEX Research Journal, Vol. 19, No 1, March 2019, DOI: 10.1515/aut-2018-0009 © AUTEX

3. Results and discussion higher than for the samples rinsed in water, over 15 times
higher than the scores obtained for cotton subjected to the
Degree of fabric softness effect of the hard standard and approximately twice as high as
for the samples rinsed in the soft and intermediate standards.
Fibers that make up fabrics are exposed to considerable The most desirable softness, amounting to 42.5 points, was
damage during the laundry process. A prominent role is played observed when the cotton fabric surface was modified with a
by friction processes occurring between individual fibers and fabric softener containing a block-structured silicone (PS3).
between the washing machine drum and fabric fibers. An
additional factor is chemical damage of fibers, which arises A comparison of different formulations failed to reveal a
from interactions with solutions often containing aggressive significant effect induced by the presence of a propylene
surfactants and having relatively high pH levels. Consequently, oxide group in the structure of comb-like silicones (PS1 and
after the laundry process, the fabric fiber surface is frequently PS2). However, an important factor from the viewpoint of the
destroyed, heterogeneous, with multiple damaged microfibers softening effect seems to be the structural form of silicone
sticking up from the surface. What is more, the ingredients of polyethers. The fabric softeners containing comb-structured
laundry washing agents may accumulate on the surface of silicones induced a lower level of soft hand compared to the
washed fabrics. The phenomenon is referred to as incrustation, formulation enriched with a block-structured compound.
and its most common cause is the build-up of a deposit on
the fiber surface, consisting of water insoluble calcium soaps. Bereck et al.[11] studied soft fabric hand depending on a range
Since the surface of such deposits is very rough, the fabric of factors including the silicone molecule structure, type and
does not have a soft hand.[8] The hand of the fabrics rinsed in number of substituents, length of the siloxane chain and affinity
new liquid fabric conditioners containing silicone glycols was to the fiber surface. Based on the collected data, the authors
evaluated in accordance with the methodology set out in the ordered the compounds under study depending on their fabric
PN-86C-4833/02 standard, with results shown in Fig. 3. softening ability. The following sequence was obtained:

polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS) < aminosilicones <

epoxysilicones < silicone glycols < cyclohexylaminosilicones <
aminoethyloaminopropylosilicones.

The fact that PDMS is associated with a low level of fabric

softness is most likely an effect of weak interactions between
the molecules and the fiber surface, and consequently, an
uneven distribution of the compound on the fiber. The level
of softness in derivatives containing a nitrogen atom in their
structure depends most likely on the number of nitrogen
atoms in the molecule. Based on the literature[10–11] it can
be postulated that the softness of fabrics rises as a function
of increasing number of nitrogen atoms in the molecule of the
Figure 3. Degree of softness of fabrics rinsed in aqueous solutions silicone derivative.
of fabric softeners: baseline (PS0), with comb-structured silicone
polyethers (PS1, PS2) and with block-structured silicone polyethers Re-wettability
(PS3)

The surface of fibers subjected to the effect of fabric softeners

Designations of samples rinsed in: W – distilled water, H – hard usually becomes hydrophobic, which reduces the ability of
standard, S – soft standard, I1 – intermediate standard 1, I2 – fabrics to absorb water. The property should be considered
intermediate standard 2 depending on the intended application of rinsed fabrics.[12]
For example, good water absorbing capacity is a desirable
Figure 3 shows the results of measurements performed to property in towels. In contrast, some fabrics are intentionally
determine the degree of softness in a cotton fabric rinsed in hydrophobized in order to protect them from moisture. An
standard formulations and in tested fabric softeners. The analysis was performed for the wettability of fabrics, the surface
degrees of softness determined in the cotton fabric rinsed in of which was modified by rinsing in developed fabric softeners
normative standards were: 4 points (sample rinsed in distilled containing silicone polyethers (Figure 4).
water), 2.5 points (cotton rinsed in the hard standard), 17.5
points (fabric rinsed in the soft standard), 17 and 16.5 points The incorporation of silicone derivatives into the fabric
(samples rinsed in intermediate standards). conditioner formulation increases the efficiency of cotton fabric
re-wettability with water (Fig. 4). The sample rinsed in the fabric
The degree of softness determined for the fabric rinsed in an softener without any addition of silicone polyether exhibited the
aqueous solution of a silicone-free fabric softener (PS0) was re-wettability level of 62%. The use of proposed compounds
29.5. The scores obtained for the fabric conditioners containing in the formulation causes an increase in the measured value
comb-structured organosilicone derivatives (PS1, PS2) were by up to one-fourth (PS2) compared to cotton rinsed in the
37 and 38 points, respectively, and were thus nearly 10 times baseline softener (PS0).

http://www.autexrj.com/ 4
AUTEX Research Journal, Vol. 19, No 1, March 2019, DOI: 10.1515/aut-2018-0009 © AUTEX

concentration of silicone additives in the form of aminosilicones

correlates with an extended period of water absorption by cotton
fibers. In fabric softeners containing hydrophilic silicones, the
tendency was similar; however, the time of water absorption
by cotton fabric was shorter compared to other silicones used.

Degree of fabric whiteness

A desirable property of liquid antistatic agents is the absence of

the fabric yellowing effect after drying. Fabric yellowing noted
after the application of fabric softeners is most likely a result
of the presence of cationic surface active agents containing
unsaturated bonds in their structures. Fat derivatives of this
Figure 4. Re-wettability of fabrics rinsed in aqueous solutions of fabric type are highly prone to oxidation processes, for example,
softeners: baseline (PS0), with comb-structured silicone polyethers
(PS1, PS2) and with block-structured silicone polyethers (PS3)
during storage or in response to high temperatures (e.g.,
during ironing).
Generally, there was a tendency for re-wettability to increase
after the application of all new fabric softeners enriched with The degree of whiteness (DW) of cotton rinsed in the
silicone glycols. Importantly, based on the results obtained original fabric softeners with and without the addition of
in the study, it can be claimed that the presence of a silicone polyethers was assessed by means of leucometric
polyoxypropylene chain (PS2) in the molecular structure has a measurements. Correlations were determined between the
greater impact on the measured parameter in comparison with chemical structure of silicones present in the original fabric
a silicone containing only a polyoxyethylene chain (PS1). The softeners and their impact on the degree of whiteness in rinsed
collected data provide grounds to conclude that a significant cotton fabrics. Test results are shown in Fig. 5.
role is played by the spatial structure of the compound and
the size of its molecule (molecular mass). Re-wettability
determined in fabric softeners containing silicones with a
comb-like structure (PS1, PS2) was in the range of 72–80%. In
contrast, the incorporation of a block-structured silicone (PS3)
into the formulation produced the re-wettability level of 68%.
It can therefore be postulated that the measured value is also
affected by the molecular structure.

It needs to be noted that the application of silicone polyethers,

regardless of their structural form, increases the hydrophilicity
of fibers compared to the sample of fabric rinsed in a fabric
softener containing exclusively a cationic SAA (PS0).

The wettability mechanism in conditioner-rinsed fibers can Figure 5. Degree of whiteness of fabrics rinsed in aqueous solutions
be explained on the basis of literature data.[9–11] According of fabric softeners: baseline (PS0), with comb-structured silicone
polyethers (PS1, PS2) and with block-structured silicone polyethers
to Habereder, Bereck et al.,[10–12] the fabric softener (PS3)
ingredients become adsorbed on the fiber surface and form a
film that would make it more difficult for the fabric to become Based on the test results, it was concluded that the addition
soiled. Polydimethylsiloxanes form thick “bundles” on the of three types of silicone polyethers with different chemical
fibers. Consequently, the fabric exhibits a limited hydrophobic structures (comb-like, block-like) to liquid fabric softeners has
effect.[10] Aminosilicones and their derivatives reduce fabric no significant impact on the change in the degree of whiteness
wettability, and the severity of the effect depends on the of rinsed cotton. The DW values obtained for the fabric rinsed
number of groups containing a nitrogen atom. Following the in the silicone-free conditioner (PS0) and for the sample rinsed
incorporation of silicones containing quaternary nitrogen atoms in the conditioner containing PEG/PPG-14/0 Dimethicone
into the fabric softener formulations, fabric wettability depends (PS1) were nearly identical (approximately 88). High DW levels
to a large extent on the molecular mass of the polymer (about 84) in fabrics were also observed after the application
(length of the siloxane chain), the number and arrangement of of fabric softeners containing PEG/PPG-20/20 Dimethicone
substituents, and the presence of other atoms in the molecule. (PS2) and Bis-PEG/PPG-20/20 Dimethicone.
Fabric wettability decreases with an increase in the length of
the siloxane chain and grows in proportion to increases in the Based on these results, it can be claimed that the rinsing of
number of hydrophilic substituents. cotton fabric samples in the new liquid fabric conditioners
containing silicone polyethers caused no fiber yellowing.
Also, Chinta et al.[12] compared the water absorption capacity
in softeners containing, among others, various silicone Parvinzadeh and Hajiraissi studied the degree of fabric
derivatives. Their experiments show that an increase in the whiteness after the application of silicone nano- and

http://www.autexrj.com/ 5
AUTEX Research Journal, Vol. 19, No 1, March 2019, DOI: 10.1515/aut-2018-0009 © AUTEX

microemulsions on polyester fibers.[4] Their research showed from solutions on the fiber surface. The fibers appear linked
that the silicone emulsions studied could make polyester fibers by distinct bridge-like structures. The effect is particularly
turn grey. prominent in fibers subjected to 1% solution of PEG/PPG-14/0
Dimethicone. Similar findings were obtained by Montazer and
The literature reports[10] also indicate that elevated Hashemikia for a fabric rinsed in a solution of conditioners
temperatures cause the yellowing of fabrics subjected to containing silicone derivatives.[6]
the activity of aminosilicones. The degree of fabric yellowing
depends on the type and number of substituents, and on The adsorption of silicone glycol molecules on the fibers can
temperature. For example, a fabric rinsed in a solution of be explained on the example of cationic surfactants that are
aminoethyloaminopropylosilicone is more prone to yellowing commonly added to fabric softeners. Typical compounds used
than a fabric rinsed in a solution of aminopropylosilicone. The as fabric softener ingredients (cationic SAAs) may become
application of silicone glycols as fabric softener ingredients has adsorbed on the fibers through electrostatic interactions
also been found to potentially reduce fabric yellowing. and the so-called “hydrophobic effect”. In cationic SAAs,
the adsorption of molecules on the fiber surface takes place
Adsorption of silicone polyethers on cotton fibers via an interaction in which hydrophobic aliphatic chains of
cationic SAA molecules are adsorbed perpendicularly to the
Scanning electron microscope was used for evaluating the fiber.[9]
topography of cotton fibers subjected to aqueous solutions of
silicone glycols. The purpose was to document the formation A different type of process accounts for the adsorption
of film on the surface of cotton fibers, which could confirm of surfactants via hydrophobic interactions.[9] Cationic
the adsorption of silicone glycol molecules. Images of cotton surfactants are characterized by limited solubility in water due
fibers subjected to 1% aqueous solutions of silicone glycols are to the fact that their molecules consist of long hydrophobic
shown in Fig. 6. chains. Consequently, they are adsorbed on the fiber surface
in such a manner as to reduce the area of contact with the
Cotton fibers are arranged in the form of ribbons with a spiral aqueous environment. The fiber surface is considered here
twist. Their outer edges are curled. The surface of fibers as an interfacial surface on which hydrophobic surfactant
subjected to water and aqueous solutions of silicone glycols molecules are accumulated. The same explanation applies to
is similar (Figs. 6A–D). However, the surface of fibers rinsed the adsorption of silicone SAA on fibers.[9,15] Silicone chains
in aqueous solutions of polyetherpolysiloxanes was shown will be arranged in parallel to the fiber surface so as to ensure
to exhibit “infiltrates” forming a specific layer of “grease”. The that the degree of contact with the fiber surface is as great as
finding can be attributed to the adsorption of silicone molecules possible.

Figure 6. Photographs of cotton fabric subjected to: (A) water and 1% aqueous solutions of the following compounds: (B) PEG/PPG-14/0
Dimethicone, (C) PEG/PPG-20/20 Dimethicone, (D) Bis-PEG/PPG-20/20 Dimethicone. Images obtained with scanning electron microscope
(SEM). 2000x magnification

http://www.autexrj.com/ 6
AUTEX Research Journal, Vol. 19, No 1, March 2019, DOI: 10.1515/aut-2018-0009 © AUTEX

[8] Chiweshe A., Cox Crew P. (2000). Influence of household

4. Conclusions fabric softeners and laundry enzymes on pilling and
breaking strength. Textile Chemist and Colorist & American
The study results demonstrate that there is a large potential Dyestuff Reporter, 32(9), 41-47.
for using silicone derivatives as active additives of fabric [9] Wahle B., Falkowski J. (2002). Softeners in textile
softeners. The structure of the studied compounds was shown processing. Part 1. An overview. Rev. Prog. Color., 32,
to have an impact on improving the selected utility fabric 118-124.
properties, as compared to the fabrics rinsed in additive-free [10] Habereder P., Bereck A. (2002). Part 2: Silicone softeners.
fabric softeners. The most beneficial cotton fabric softening Rev. Prog. Color., 32, 125-137.
ability was demonstrated for the formulations enriched [11] Bereck A., Weber B., Riegel D. Bindl J., Habereder P., Huhn
with the block-structured compound Bis-PEG/PPG-20/20 K.G., Lautenschlager H.J., Preiner G. (1993). Influence of
Dimethicone. In contrast, the highest re-wettability was shown silicone softeners on the handle and mechanical properties
for the conditioner containing a comb-structured compound of textile surfaces. Melliand Texttilberichte, 74, 1263.
(PEG/PPG-20/20 Dimethicone). The application of silicone [12] Chinta S.K., Gujar P.D. (2013). Significance of moisture
derivatives in fabric conditioners was not shown to cause any management in textiles. International Journal of Innovative
fabric yellowing effect. SEM images obtained in the study also Research in Science, Engineering and Technology, 2(6),
point to the possibility of film formation on the surface of cotton 2104-2114.
fibers. It is postulated that the adsorption of silicone glycol [13] Becker R., Haas P., Kugler J. (2006). Silicon products for
molecules on the fiber surface may be involved in this case. fabric care, SÖFW Journal, 6 (132), 14-22.
[14] O’Lenick T. (2006). Understanding silicone. Cosmetics &
Toiletries, 5(121), 95-107.
Acknowledgements [15] Hill R. (1999). Silicone surfactants. Marcel Dekker (New
York).
Funded with the assistance of the Ministry of Science and [16] Hill R.M. (2002). Silicone surfactants – new developments,
Higher Education from subsidies for statutory activity. Project Current Opinion in Colloid and Interface Science, 7, 255-
no. 3086/35/P entitled “Development of formulations and 261.
technologies for the manufacture of innovative cosmetics, [17] Sadek R. (2012). Effect of fabric softener on properties of
pharmacy supplies, household and industrial chemicals”. a single jersey knitted fabric made on cotton and spandex
yarn. Journal of Textile Science & Engineering, 2(1), 108-
References 120.
[18] Korycki R, Szafrańska H. (2016). Thickness Optimisation
[1] Saraiva S.A., Abdelnur P.V., Catharino R.R., Nunes G., of Textiles Subjected to Heat and Mass Transport During
Eberlin M.N. (2009). Fabric softeners: nearly instantaneous Ironing, Autex Research Journal, 16(3), 165-174.
characterization and quality control of cationic surfactants
[19] Korycki R, Szafrańska H. (2014). Sensitivity of Temperature
by easy ambient sonic-spray ionization mass spectroscopy.
Field to Material Parameters within the Clothing Laminate
Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom, 23, 357-362.
Process. Fibres & Textiles in Eastern Europe, 22, 5(107),
[2] Igarashi, T., Morita, N., Okamoto, Y., & Nakamura, K. 83-88.
(2016). Elucidation of Softening Mechanism in Rinse Cycle
[20] Wasilewski T., Ogorzałek M., Klimaszewska E. (2014).
Fabric Softeners. Part 1: Effect of Hydrogen Bonding.
Correlations between performance properties of textiles
Journal of Surfactants and Detergents, 19(1), 183-192.
and concentration of fabric softener in rinsing bath, Salerno-
[3] Murphy, D.S. (2015). Fabric Softener Technology: A Kochan R. (red.) Commodity Science in Research and
Review. Journal of Surfactants and Detergents, 18(2) 199- Practice. Non-food Products’ Quality & Innovations. Wyd.
204. UE w Krakowie, pp. 189-198.
[4] Parvinzedeh M., Hajiraissi R. (2008). Effect of nano and [21] Wasilewski T., Żuchowski J., Ogorzałek M., Klimaszewska
micro emulsion silicone softeners on properties of polyester E., Cheba M. (2016). Improving quality of fabric softeners
fibers. Tenside Surf. Det. 45(5), 254-257. by application of silicone derivative. Polish Journal of
[5] Pathiban M., Kumar M.R. (2007). Effect of fabric softener Commodity Science, 4, 185-194.
on thermal comfort of cotton and polyester fabrics. Indian [22] PN-86/C – 04833/02: Wyroby chemii gospodarczej.
Journal of Fibre & Textile Research, 32, 446-452. Środki do płukania tkanin. Oznaczanie właściwości
[6] Montazer M., Hashemikia S. (2012). Application of zmiękczających, Warszawa, 1986.
polyurethane/citric acid/silicone softener composite on [23] PN-86C-04833/03: Wyroby chemii gospodarczej. Środki
cotton/polyester knitted fabric producing durable soft and do płukania tkanin. Oznaczanie zdolności ponownego
smooth surface. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 124, zwilżania, Warszawa. 1986.
4141-4148.
[24] PN-86/C-04833/04: Wyroby chemii gospodarczej. Środki
[7] Baumert K.J., Cox Crews P. (1996). Influence of household do płukania tkanin. Metody badań. Oznaczanie stopnia
fabric softeners on properties of selected woven fabrics, bieli tkanin, Warszawa, 1986.
Textile Chemist and Colorist, 28(4), 36-43.

http://www.autexrj.com/ 7