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Abstract
In this research, polyester fabrics were treated with three concentrations (10, 20 and 30 g/L) of macro- and microemulsions of silicones in water at 30 °C by the padding method. The treated fabrics were men dried/cured at 130 °C for 40 s. Some of the physical and chemical properties of the samples are discussed. The drapeability of treated samples was lower and found to depend on the silicone particle size. Moisture absorbency of treated samples was also lower. Colorimetric properties of softener treated fabrics were evaluated with a reflectance spectrophotometer. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) examinations showed an aggregation of silicone particles on the fiber surface.
Keywords Emulsion * Color coordinates * Silicone * Scanning electron microscope
Introduction
Finishing is the final series of textile operations that produces refined textile fabric with new properties. One of the textile finishing procedures is to improve the handling by the addition of softeners. Synthetic fibers like polyester have a low moisture regain which causes an unpleasant feel. Softeners can improve this defect and often have a multifunctional nature. They can improve abrasion and soiling resistance, static protection, and reduce pilling, flammability and sewing thread breakage. They are classified according to their ionic character as anionic, cationic, nonionic, amphoteric, reactive and silicone. Silicones are a separate class of man-made materials mat are used as softeners, with methyl and amino being the most common functionality used in this application. Today, macro- and microemulsion silicone softeners based on high moisture absorbency are commercial classes of softeners [1-3].
Many studies have been carried out on the application of softeners on textiles covering such areas as variation in me quantity of softeners in the process, combination and properties of softeners, effects of softening auxiliaries on different properties of finished fabrics, and improvement in softener production [3-5, 10-16].
Habereder and Bereck [4] indicated that softeners can affect the shade of dyed textiles. Silicones will cause the shade to become darker. Some textile dyestuffs are susceptible to shade change when treated with different ionic softeners. The reason for this is changes in electron configuration (resonance) of the dye molecules. The conjugated system of me dyes may be extended by one lone pair electron in alkaline or acidic solution giving the color changes. This depends...