Preparation of rich handles soft cellulosic fabric using amino silicone based softener. Part-I: Surface smoothness and softness properties

A series of amino silicone based softeners with different emulsifiers were prepared and adsorbed onto the surfaces of cotton and blends of cotton/polyester fabrics. Factors affecting the performance properties of the finished substrate such as post-treatment with amino functional silicone based softener varying different emulsifiers in their formulations and its concentration on different processed fabrics were studied. Fixation of the amino-functional silicone softener onto/or within the cellulose structure is accompanied by the formation of semi-inter-penetrated network structure thereby enhancing both the extent of crosslinking and networking as well as providing very high softness. The results of the experiments indicate that the amino silicone can form a hydrophobic film on both cotton and blends of cotton/polyester fabrics and its coating reduces the surface roughness significantly. Furthermore, the roughness becomes lesser with an increase in the applied strength of amino silicone based softener.     

Modification of cellulosic fabric using polyvinyl alcohol, part-II: Colorfastness properties

A series of aqueous solutions of poly(vinyl alcohol) of various commercial products were prepared and applied onto the surfaces of cotton and blends of cotton/polyester fabrics. Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer was used to confirm the molecular structure of the polyvinyl alcohol used. Performance tests such as colorfastness to rubbing (dry and wet) and colorfastness to washing were determined. The controlling variables affecting the performance properties of the finished substrate such as post-treatment with poly(vinyl alcohol) of various commercial trades, concentration and dilutions were studied. Crocking, washing and hue change of the treated dyed and printed fabrics is accompanied by the formation of semi-inter-penetrated network structure due to the presence of the hydroxyl (-OH) groups which make feasible to a number of grafting and physical cross linking reactions of polymer backbone.