Role of Softeners in Textile Wet-Processing
Any operation that improves the physical characteristics of the fabric is termed asFinishing. Softener is an finishing agent that when applied to textile material improves its handle giving pleasing touch. As a general rule, the softening agents applied are lubricating agents, which facilitate the fiber sliding within the fabric structure, thus granting easier deformation and creasing of the fabric. In most cases, the duration of the effect is limited since the products applied during the treatment are eliminated by subsequent washing; for this reason they must be applied in the final stage of the treatment. The most common softeners are explained below : ***Non-ionic softeners : These are generally ethers and polyglycol esters, ethoxylated products, paraffins and fats. These softening agents are generally less efficient than anionic and cationic ones but they withstand the effects of hard waters, acid or basic environment and also stable in presence of cations and anions. As the