Silicone softener is an important textile printing and dyeing auxiliary agent, mainly composed of polysiloxane and its derivatives, usually in the form of emulsion or microemulsion. This type of softener has unique surface properties and excellent softening properties, and is widely used in the finishing of various natural fibers such as cotton, wool, silk, linen and synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon.

Silicone softener not only gives fabrics a soft and smooth feel, but also significantly enhances the gloss, abrasion resistance, elasticity, and anti-fouling and anti-wrinkle properties of fabrics. Its unique chemical structure enables it to form a uniform film on the fiber surface, which not only improves the physical properties of the fabric, but also improves the tear strength and air permeability of the fabric.

In addition, silicone softener also has good hydrophilicity, hygroscopicity and antistatic properties, which makes the treated fabrics more comfortable, easy to wear and wash. At the same time, silicone softener is non-toxic and environmentally friendly, meeting the green and environmental protection requirements of the modern textile industry.

According to the different chemical composition and reactivity, silicone softeners can be divided into three categories: inactive, active and modified. Among them, modified silicone softeners can give fabrics more special functions, such as anti-static, anti-oil and hydrophilicity, by introducing other active groups on the silicone molecular chain. This has led to the widespread use of modified silicone softeners in high-end fabric finishing.

In general, silicone softeners play an increasingly important role in the textile printing and dyeing industry due to their excellent performance and wide range of applications. With the continuous development of the textile industry, the performance requirements for silicone softeners are becoming higher and higher. Therefore, continuous research and development of new silicone softeners and improving their use effects and application scope are of great significance to improving the quality and added value of textile products.