The Effect of Silicone Softener Particle Size on Color Assessment of Cotton Fabrics

Softeners are widely applied textile treatments that affect many textile properties. Color change is an important side effect of textile treatment to consider. This paper evaluates the effect of commercially-available silicone softener particle size on color assessment of knitted cotton fabrics after treatment and repeated laundering using instrumental analyses. The results were also statistically evaluated, showing that silicone softener particle size had a significant effect on color difference after treatment; the larger the softener particle size, the greater the color difference and the darker the appearance. However, the contribution of particle size was insignificant after repeated laundering and ironing.