Effect of Softeners on Smoothness Behavior of Cotton Fabrics

Cotton woven fabrics were treated with three different silicone softeners. These softeners were applied on the fabric using the pad-dry-cure method. The hand value of treated fabrics was analyzed by determining bending length, crease recovery angle, and surface roughness and smoothness properties. With increased silicone softener concentration, an improvement in surface smoothness of the fabric was observed at a certain level, beyond which there were no significant changes in smoothness. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) was carried out to establish a relationship between the application of softeners at different concentrations on the bending length, smoothness, and crease recovery angle properties. A correlation was established between subjective and Kawabata analyses.