Silicone oil based softeners including different additives: Part II: investigation of effects of silicone softeners on the comfort properties of the fabrics

Abstract

Purpose

In this study, which is divided into two parts, the silicone softeners having different properties and including different additives as glycerin, polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400) and polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG 4000) (due to their high hydrophilic characters) are produced for the purpose of providing or developing the hydrophilic character, lubricity and filling properties of the emulsions. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

In the first part of the study, the produced silicone emulsions were characterized and applied to the 100 percent cotton-knitted fabrics. In addition, the mechanical properties and whiteness degrees of the fabrics were also researched. In this part of the study, the effects of the produced silicone softeners on the comfort properties of the fabric samples were investigated by qualitative handle, hydrophility, contact angle, air permeability, thermal comfort and moisture management tests.

Findings

The results showed that while classic silicone application improved mechanical comfort properties of the samples such as the handle and drape properties, they worsened other thermal comfort properties as hydrophility, transfer or dispersion of the moisture, and air permeability. In addition, the thermal comfort properties about heat transfer of the fabric samples were not significantly affected by application of the silicone softeners. All results were affected from the producing recipe of the silicone softeners, and generally the usage of the additives had positive effect on the comfort results depending on the producing recipe (especially type of the silicone oil) of the silicone softeners.

Research limitations/implications

In this study, the additives were used in single form; however, their dual or trio combinations and/or their different amounts can be used in the emulsions.

Practical implications

In order to enhance the hydrophilic character, lubricity and filling properties of the silicone softeners, they could be produced by using appropriate additives.

Originality/value

In the literature, there were not any studies about the silicone softeners including different additives. So the authors can say that the contribution of the additives to the recipes of the silicone softeners is a novel approach.

Citation

Balci, O., Kinoglu, G.Ö. and Sancar Besen, B. (2019), "Silicone oil based softeners including different additives: Part II: investigation of effects of silicone softeners on the comfort properties of the fabrics", International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, Vol. 31 No. 1, pp. 16-31. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCST-04-2018-0048