Effects of Silicone Treatments on the Dimensional Properties of Wool Fabric

This study evaluates the effects of silicone softeners on the dimensional properties of wool fabric. Samples are treated with a simple pad-dry-cure process in an aqueous bath with aminofunctional and epoxyfunctional silicone softeners. The results indicate that dimensional stability and performance properties improve. The maximum effect is obtained with a 1:1 proportion of aminofunctional and epoxyfunctional silicone softeners, probably due to the synergistic effect of both softeners by the catalyzing reaction of the amine group. A hydrophilic epoxyfunctional silicone softener seems to increase fiber swelling and prevents the reduction of hygral expansion. As for the other properties, there are no significant variations when different kinds of epoxyfunctional silicone softeners are used. The most significant effect of the softeners is the surface coating, which reduces interfiber or interyarn friction.