Chemical Nature and Structural Characteristics
Organosilicon softeners are chemical auxiliaries with polysiloxanes and their derivatives as their core components. Their molecular backbone consists of a helical linear structure formed by silicon-oxygen bonds (Si-O-Si), allowing for 360° free rotation and imparting an extremely low coefficient of friction to fibers. By introducing active groups such as hydroxyl, amino, and epoxy groups, they are classified into three main categories: inactive, active, and modified. Inactive types are represented by dimethyl silicone oil, active types achieve cross-linking film formation through terminal hydroxyl groups, and modified types impart special functions such as antistatic and hydrophilic properties through side chain modification.

Performance Advantages and Application Areas
These softeners form an elastic film layer on the fiber surface through hydrogen bonding, significantly reducing inter-fiber friction and giving fabrics a smooth and crisp feel. Its core advantages include:
Multifunctionality: It combines wrinkle-resistant, stain-resistant, anti-static, and abrasion-resistant properties, enhancing the added value of fabrics;
Wide applicability: Suitable for natural fibers such as cotton, linen, and silk, as well as synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon, and can even be extended to the leather and paper industries;
Environmental friendliness and safety: Non-toxic and harmless, with excellent biodegradability, meeting ecological textile standards.
In typical application cases, amino-modified silicone increases the elasticity of polyester knitted fabrics by 30%, epoxy-modified silicone increases the wash resistance of cotton fabrics to over 50 washes, and polyether-modified silicone increases the antistatic properties of chemical fiber fabrics by 80%.

Technological Evolution and Industry Impact: The development of silicone softeners in my country has undergone three generations of technological innovation: the first generation was represented by dimethyl silicone oil emulsions; the second generation improved durability through hydroxyl crosslinking; and the third generation achieved functional customization through modification technology. The CGF hydrophilic softener developed by Sichuan Chenguang Chemical Research Institute overcomes the hydrophobic defects of traditional products through polyether modification, increasing the moisture absorption of cotton fabrics by 2 times. The industry is currently focusing on the development of microemulsion technology, compound synergistic effects, and formaldehyde-free systems, driving products towards high-end and green directions.