As a key component of textile auxiliaries, silicone softeners have become a key material for enhancing the added value of textiles due to their excellent softness, washability, and functionality. Based on their chemical composition and reactivity, silicone softeners are primarily classified into the following three categories:

1. Inactive Silicone Softeners: The Founder of Basic Performance
Inactive silicone softeners are exemplified by dimethyl silicone oil (DMPS), also known as polydimethylsiloxane. These softeners adhere to fiber surfaces through physical adsorption, forming a lubricating layer that reduces interfiber friction and imparts excellent softness and heat resistance to fabrics. However, due to their low degree of polymerization, they are unable to chemically react with fibers, resulting in poor washability and a significant decrease in softening performance after repeated washings. Therefore, inactive silicone softeners are generally considered first-generation products and are suitable for low- and mid-end textiles where washability is not a high priority.

II. Active Silicone Softeners: A Breakthrough in Washability
Active silicone softeners are chemically modified to introduce reactive groups such as hydroxyl and hydrogen groups, enabling them to cross-link with fibers and form stable chemical bonds. Representative examples of these softeners are hydroxyl silicone oil emulsions and hydrogen silicone oil emulsions. Under catalyst and high-temperature curing conditions, they form a water-insoluble molecular film on the fiber surface, significantly improving the washability and softness of fabrics. As a second-generation product, active silicone softeners are widely used in textiles that require frequent washing, such as bedding and clothing.

III. Modified Silicone Softeners: A Leader in Diversified Functionality
Modified silicone softeners impart special functionalities to fabrics by introducing reactive groups such as amino, epoxy, and polyether groups into the silicone molecular chain. For example, amino-modified silicone softeners can significantly improve the elasticity, washability, and mechanical properties of fabrics, while giving them a soft, smooth, and plump feel. Epoxy-modified silicone softeners utilize the high activity of epoxy groups to cross-link with hydroxyl and amino groups on the fiber surface, forming stable chemical bonds that impart excellent durability and softness to the fabric. Polyether-modified silicone softeners transform hydrophobic silicones into hydrophilic silicones by introducing water-soluble unsaturated polyethers, thereby imparting excellent anti-fouling and antistatic properties to fabrics. Modified silicone softeners, as third-generation products, are widely used in various high-end fabric finishing applications, meeting the market demand for higher-performance textiles.