Synthetic fiber clothing holds a significant position in the apparel market due to its abrasion resistance, wrinkle resistance, and ease of care. However, the rigid structure of synthetic fibers can lead to a rough hand feel, affecting wearing comfort. Silicone softeners, with their unique molecular structure and excellent performance, have become an ideal choice for improving the hand feel of synthetic fiber clothing.

Modified Silicone Softeners: The Perfect Balance of Function and Performance
Modified silicone softeners, by introducing active groups such as amino, epoxy, and polyether groups, impart a soft, smooth, and full hand feel to fabrics, while enhancing antistatic, stain-resistant, and moisture-wicking properties. For example, amino-modified silicone softeners combine the amino groups on the side chains or end groups with the hydroxyl groups on the fiber surface to form a molecular film with excellent wash resistance, significantly improving fabric elasticity and wrinkle resistance. However, it should be noted that they are prone to yellowing at high temperatures and are not suitable for light-colored fabrics. Epoxy-modified silicone softeners achieve durable softening through the cross-linking reaction between epoxy groups and fibers, while polyether-modified silicone softeners, by introducing hydrophilic polyether chains, impart antistatic and stain-resistant properties to fabrics, making them particularly suitable for synthetic fiber blends.

Block copolymer silicone oils: A new generation of multifunctional finishing agents.
Block copolymer silicone oils achieve a balance of wash resistance, hydrophilicity, and anti-yellowing properties through the precise arrangement of siloxane, amino, and polyether segments. For example, the ternary copolymer silicone oil BASOK ZYE-A uses a siloxane-amino-polyether block structure to give fabrics a smooth and full hand feel while maintaining low yellowing and temperature stability, making it suitable for softening and smoothing polyester, nylon, and other synthetic fibers and their blends. Skysoft® SA37, through (AB)n block copolymer technology, achieves a comprehensive hand feel of softness, smoothness, fluffiness, and elasticity, and is resistant to high temperatures and strong acids and alkalis, making it an ideal alternative for cotton and synthetic fiber fabrics.

Application Process and Precautions:
Silicone softeners can be applied through padding, impregnation, or spraying processes, and the formulation needs to be adjusted according to the fiber type and finishing objectives. For example, polyester fabrics can use amino silicone oil combined with a catalyst, which is then baked at high temperature to form a cross-linked film; while blended fabrics require the selection of highly compatible block copolymer silicone oils to avoid differences in hand feel between different fibers. Furthermore, attention must be paid to the compatibility of the softener with dyes and auxiliaries to avoid demulsification or color changes.