Classification by Chemical Composition and Reactivity
Silicone fabric softeners can be classified into three main categories based on their chemical composition and reactivity: inactive, reactive, and modified.
Inactive Silicone Fabric Softeners: Represented by dimethyl silicone oil (DMPS), these softeners impart softness and heat resistance to fabrics. However, due to their low degree of polymerization, they cannot cross-link and do not chemically react with fibers. Therefore, the finished fabrics exhibit poor hand feel, fastness, and elasticity. Inactive silicone fabric softeners need to be formulated into emulsions before use to increase wash resistance and are considered first-generation silicone fabric softeners.
Reactive Silicone Fabric Softeners: These softeners introduce hydroxyl groups (-OH) at both ends of linear dimethyl polysiloxanes, making them hydrophilic. Emulsions made from these softeners can be used alone or cross-linked with other silicones to form a water-insoluble molecular film on the fibers, thereby imparting waterproof and wash-resistant properties to the fabric. As second-generation silicone fabric softeners, active silicone fabric softeners come in a wide variety of products.
Modified silicone softeners: By introducing other active groups, such as amino, epoxy, and polyether groups, onto the silicone molecular chain, special functions are imparted to fabrics, such as antistatic, oil-resistant, and hydrophilic properties. These softeners not only improve fabric performance but also endow synthetic fiber fabrics with the advantages of natural fabrics, becoming a third-generation silicone softening agent with special functions.

Classification by Ionicity:
Silicone softeners can also be classified according to their ionicity into cationic, nonionic, and modified types. This classification method helps in selecting the appropriate softener based on the type of fabric and finishing requirements. For example, cationic softeners easily adsorb onto the fiber surface, have strong binding ability, and are resistant to high temperatures and washing, and are widely used in cotton, nylon, and acrylic fabrics.