Clothing manufacturers no longer must choose between using a softener that is durable but negatively impacts cotton’s natural absorbency or one that preserves the fiber’s ability to hold moisture but also washes off through home laundering.
Archroma launched SILIGEN D2W LIQ C, a durable silicone softener for cellulosic and cotton/Lycra blended knits, developed to overcome these challenges.
Described by the specialty chemical firm as the industry’s “first truly durable silicone softener,” SILIGEN D2W LIQ C allows manufacturers to produce fabrics that maintain their absorbency and their soft and smooth touch.
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Additionally, it has minimum side effects, including no yellowing or phenolic yellowing, and is also compatible with anionic components and easy-care resins extending the range of possible combinations for functional finishes including crease-resistance.
SILIGEN D2W LIQ C is ideal for textile and fashion applications where long-lasting comfort and breathability are important like undergarments, sleepwear, baby and children’s clothing, dresses, trousers, T-shirts and activewear.
The silicone softener is Archroma’s solution for brand partners who are increasingly design for longevity and comfort, according to Dhirendra Gautam, Archroma’s VP global marketing and strategy. “By enhancing both durability and cotton hand feel, it reduces the need for frequent replacement of garments to conserve resources, minimize waste and lessen the environmental impact of the industry,” he said.
The softener is based on Archroma’s new patent-pending chemistry called Micro-x. It is a cross-linkable microemulsion that forms a stable silicone network within the cellulosic fibers, ensuring more uniform distribution of the softener and locking it in to maintain softness over time while bringing wash-resistance.
Archroma is also changing how the industry measures hand feel—a quality that was previously evaluated through human perception and expert opinion. The company’s researchers developed a way to more accurately quantify hand feel durability in an objective way.
“We discovered that we can measure the elastic recovery added to the knitted fabric by the silicone finish and track it through multiple launderings to prove its durability,” said Michael Schuhmann, global marketing manager finishing, Archroma Textile Effects.
Schuhmann added that quantifying hand feel aligns better with brands’ and mills’ sustainability and transparency goals.
