Gains of Kuat Silicone Technology in Finishing Applications

Traditional amino silicone oils readily bond amine (NH-NH2) groups to hydroxyl (OH) endpoints found particularly in the cellulose portion of natural fibers, thereby imparting uniform softness and lubricity to fabric surfaces during textile finishing processes. However, due to the ease with which functional amine (NH-NH2) groups can be reduced by oxygen, they create yellowing problems on fabric surfaces and exhibit stability issues in anionic and electrolyte solutions. Because of their low shear strength, they can also fragment and cause staining problems in circulation applications. These disadvantages inherent to amino silicone oils have over the years created the foundation for obtaining new polymer structures through various reactions. Through different polymerization techniques, amine (NH-NH2) and ethylene oxide (EO) containing groups are bonded to the polysiloxane chain. The EO content of the resulting polymer facilitates homogeneous distribution of the emulsion in aqueous solutions, which raises shear, pH and thermal resistance, allowing for straightforward use in circulation applications. By increasing the bond angle during quaternization of polysiloxane groups, a hydrophilic silicone oil with quat structure is obtained. In this way, it imparts voluminous and full handle to fabric following application. Charma® FELIX siloxane is a hydrophilic silicone oil possessing a block copolymer structure composed of polyamine and polyether. In addition to the properties conferred by different long homopolymer segments, its weak cationic structure provides touch and handle to cotton, polyester/cotton and natural fibers in textile finishing processes. Its high temperature, pH, alkali and shear resistance enables easy application in padding and stretching processes. In finishing treatments performed with Charma® FELIX, owing to the long polymer chain, a noticeable lubricity effect is imparted to the fabric surface. Moreover, hydrophilic fabrics with inner softness and fullness can be obtained. Due to its low yellowing characteristic, Charma® FELIX has minimal effect particularly on yellowing values of white fabrics. (Berger test method Table 1.) Because of Charma® FELIX's minimal yellowing effect, it can be readily used on fabrics such as towels that have superior hydrophilicity and moisture control properties. (Table 2.) • Surface lubricity, • Full and voluminous handle, • Excellent hydrophilicity, • Low yellowing, • Shear, alkali, temperature and pH resistance.

Ferhat Ayaşlı Creative Process Specialist Latro Kimya Dış Ticaret A.Ş.