The application history of silicone softeners in China can be traced back to the 1950s. After four generations of technological innovation from technology introduction to independent innovation, a complete industrial system has been gradually built.

1. The embryonic stage of technology (1950s-1970s)
China's textile industry began to contact silicone technology in the early 1950s. In the 1950s, Dow Corning's waterproofing technology containing Si-H structure polysiloxane was introduced to China, but its hard and brittle silicone film limited its application. In the 1970s, domestic hydroxyl silicone oil emulsions achieved a breakthrough, forming a network structure through metal catalytic cross-linking, significantly improving the water resistance of fabrics. During this period, silicone softeners were mainly used in spinning oils, and the products were mainly hydroxyl-modified silicone oils, marking a major progress in China's textile finishing technology.

2. Industrial development period (1980s-1990s)
With the advancement of reform and opening up, China's silicone industry entered a rapid development stage. The establishment of Bluestar in 1984 marked the industry's transition from laboratory research to large-scale production. In the 1990s, amino-modified silicone oil was domestically produced. The amino groups in its molecular chain form a strong interaction with the fiber, giving the fabric smooth and wrinkle-resistant properties. Typical products such as aminoethylaminopropyl polydimethylsiloxane have become the core auxiliary agent for textile finishing, promoting the transformation of China's textile industry to high added value.

3.Technology Upgrading Period (from the beginning of the 21st century to the present)
After 2000, polyether-modified amino silicone oil and block copolymer-modified silicone oil came out one after another. The former introduces polyether groups through the side chain to improve hydrophilicity, and the latter uses linear block technology to achieve the synergistic effect of multiple active groups, breaking through the bottleneck of traditional silicone oil's yellowing and demulsification. In the 2010s, Zhejiang University of Technology and other institutions developed low/solvent-free green synthesis processes to promote the industry's transformation to environmental protection. At present, China has become the world's largest producer of silicone softeners, with products covering all categories such as standard amino silicone oils and modified amino silicone oils.

The development history of China's silicone softeners is not only a combination of technology introduction and independent innovation, but also the result of industrial policies and market demand. From the initial spinning oil to today's green and environmentally friendly products, its technological evolution has always revolved around the two core goals of improving fabric performance and reducing environmental impact, and continued to promote the upgrading of the textile industry.