Effect of Silicone Softener Particle Size on the Colorfastness, Softness, and Tensile Strength of 100% Cotton Woven Fabrics

This work investigates the effect of various silicone based softener particle sizes on woven cotton fabric properties. Twill-and plain-woven 100% cotton fabrics dyed with red and blue reactive dyes were used to observe how the softeners acted on different weave patterns and colors. Fabrics treated with macro-, micro-, and nano-emulsion softeners were assessed for softness, tensile strength, and colorfastness with respect to laundering, perspiration, and crocking. Macro-emulsion softeners gave softer cotton fabric than micro- and nano-softeners. Micro-emulsion softeners had the most favorable tensile properties. Micro- and nano-emulsion softeners imparted better washfastness and perspiration fastness. The effects of silicone softener particle size and fabric construction properties on the softness, fastness, and mechanical properties of the treated cotton fabric were studied.